Environment Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-924
AN ACT CONCERNING THE STAFFING AND RESOURCES OF THE
Title: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
Vote Date: 3/29/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/19/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
To evaluate the number of staffing positions at the Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection (DEEP) based upon two criteria: (1) the accounting of staffing positions paid from
Passport to the Parks revenue, (2) assessment of impending agency staff requirements and
the impact on DEEP.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Katie Dykes, Commissioner, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
The Appropriations Committee has requests has requested an accounting of Passport to the
Parks, expenditures including staff resources. The Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection (DEEP) is expecting many retirements during FY22. Staff do not have to indicate
their intention to retire about 90 days before. DEEP does not have an exact number of
retirements and the associated impact on program. DEEP is aware of the impact and working
to mitigate the impact of the retirements.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Patrick M. Comins, Executive Director, CT Audubon Society
CT Audubon Society is concerned with recent and impending retirements. The Wildlife
Division is suffering due to retirements and positions not re-staffed. Lack of experienced staff
leads to the lack of experienced leadership. Analysis of the Passport to the Parks program
provides little insight into the problem of recent and pending retirements. CT Audubon
Society recommends adequate funding for review and analysis of all levels of staffing across
DEEP with impending and recent retirements. The importance of natural resources and
recreation add billions to the state's economy. Investment in DEEP makes sense to take
advantages for the ecology and economy.
Katherine M. Fiedler, Staff Attorney, Save the Sound
Near term retirements and budget cuts accelerates the strain on DEEP's resources impact its
ability for consistent enforcement of environmental laws. Enforcement requires skills,
acquired expertise and relationships for effectiveness and efficiency. Roles for enforcement
requires people.
William Hyatt, Vice-Chair, Connecticut Fisheries Advisory Council
The Fisheries Advisory Council (FAC) requests the legislature require the impact of
retirements on the function and operation of DEEP. The loss of institutional knowledge
created by the 2017 budget deal, 30% of staff are likely to retire. DEEP is already
understaffed and called upon to do more with less. Maintaining fish and wildlife populations
is dependent upon execution of environmental laws and programs with efficiency. Efficiency
and effectiveness are entirely dependent upon a viable Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection.
Amy Blaymore Paterson, Executive Director, Connecticut Land Conservation Council
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) partners closely with DEEP's Land
Acquisition and Management office and respect the challenges they deal with implementation
of core programs for state and local conservation efforts. CLCC asked the Appropriations
Committee last month to assess how DEEP will uphold enforcement and other programs.
CLCC supports the report to ensure DEEP has adequate resources, CLCC feels it is not
feasible for DEEP's staff to undertake this report without adequate funding dedicated to this
purpose.
Matthew Perry, President, American Society of Landscape Architects
CT American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) chapter is an organization of
approximately 300 professionals. DEEP provides members with services to include review of
proposed development projects, environment and data mapping, and administration of
recreational resources. ASLA is concerned DEEP will not be able to provide adequate
resources due to staff retirements and budget cuts. These resources will impact the work
ASLA members do, increasing time for permit requirements, developers to do the project
work and an increase in cost. Funds for DEEP staff, facilities and recreational sites offer
superior value for the "bottom line of environmental, equity and economic impact".
Page 2 of 3 SB-924
The Environment Committee received more than 5 additional testimonials in support of
SB924.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None
Reported by: Steve Smith Date: 4/7/2021
Page 3 of 3 SB-924