The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) marked Air Quality Awareness week by sharing information with residents on initiatives to protect air quality and reduce harmful emissions. DEEP showcased its Air Quality Index (AQI) webpage, which provides facts and information regarding ground-level ozone, its health effects, what to do on a high-ozone day, and how to help reduce ground level ozone. DEEP also announced the start of the 2025 Ozone Forecasting Season, during which it will monitor, track, and forecast daily air quality levels across Connecticut for ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Recent enforcement actions were also highlighted, including a $2M settlement with Pike Fuels following numerous violations that exposed New Haven residents to volatile organic compounds linked to respiratory issues and greater cancer risk. Additionally, DEEP emphasized its work to reduce transportation sector emissions through the Connecticut Hydrogen & Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) program, which provides rebates for EV and hybrid vehicle purchases and Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grants, which help municipalities replace older diesel vehicles with cleaner options.
