THIS MONTH'S MEETING | MAY 7, 2025 8:00 AM
Join us for breakfast, networking and a presentation on Environmental Justice at CT DEEP.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Keeney Memorial, 200 Main St., Weathersfield CT.
Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am Eastern Time
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The presentation will include information about what the EJ Office at CT DEEP does, the history of CT’s EJ law, the new regulations that are being developed, and why cumulative impacts and what that assessment may entail. In addition, we will hear from the City of Bridgeport about how the EJ laws effect redevelopment in the city.
Presenters:
Eliza Heins is a staff attorney with CT DEEP’s Environmental Quality Branch. Eliza worked for Legal Aid for six years before joining CT DEEP and has also worked in private practice doing land use law. She has a Masters Degree in Urban Planning as well as a Law Degree. Eliza devotes a good portion of her time at CT DEEP to working with the Office of Equity and Environmental Justice. She is the attorney lead for the Environmental Justice rulemaking project.
Sarah Huang is the Director of CT DEEP’s Office of Equity and Environmental Justice. Prior to joining CT DEEP, Sarah served as a Co-Director at the New England Grassroots Environment Fund. She has more than 10 years of experience working within and supporting environmental justice issues, spanning intersections with food, community building, and environment. Sarah has a PhD in anthropology where she deepened a critical and growing lens into equitable research practices and community-driven design and outcomes. A framework that she continues to use in strengthening partnerships and infrastructure with communities and government.
William "Bill" Coleman is the Deputy Director for the City of Bridgeport Office of Planning & Economic Development. The Office of Planning & Economic Development's mission is the develop the economic life of the city. As the Deputy Director, Bill assists individuals and businesses with navigating the development process in the City of Bridgeport, including funding under the HUD financial assistance programs.
Obiora Nkwo is a Program Manager for the HOME program with the City of Bridgeport Office of Planning & Economic Development. Obiora assists commercial and not-for-profit developers apply for funding to rehabilitate or construct housing under the HUD financial assistance programs.
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​REMINDER - Update your membership today for 2025!
Click Join and Membership Types to download 2025 invoices.
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Upcoming CEF Meetings
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June 4 - Climate change / Climate resiliency (Zoom)
CEF meetings are free to CEF members and individual membership is only $100 per year. Non-members may attend one meeting at no charge to experience how CEF membership can benefit your company.
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PREVIOUS MEETINGS
March 5, 2025
Representatives from CT DEEP updated the forum on programs and accomplishments. They reviewed Released Based Reporting regulation progress and answered questions from members.
November 6, 2024
Water Discharge Permitting - ​Audra Dickson, CTDEEP Director of Water Permitting & Enforcement Division provided
an update on water discharge permitting in Connecticut.
The presentation is attached.​
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October 2, 2024
Representative Joseph Gresko, Co-Chair of the Environment Committee, provided an update on recent and upcoming
legislation before the Environment Committee.
March 6, 2024 DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes
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Update on activities and priorities of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, including Commissioner Katie Dykes.
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February 7, 2024 Water Permitting Program Update
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Slides from presentation by Audra Dickson
Director
Water Permitting & Enforcement Division
Materials Management & Compliance Assurance Bureau
Environmental Quality Branch
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
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About CEF
Who We Are
The Connecticut Environmental Forum (CEF) is an organization which provides a forum for environmental professionals to share and exchange information and experiences on environmental matters, and to learn about the latest issues regarding environmental regulation. CEF was founded by a small group of environmental professionals seeking a way to acquire accurate regulatory knowledge in a timely fashion. As professionals we need to continually make contacts with others to further our expert knowledge and broaden our understanding of environmental issues.
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What We Do
Our core mission is to educate our members on the important environmental issues that affect their community and career. CEF strives to help our members:
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√ Keep up with environmental regulations
√ Improve your professional network
​√ Gain continuing environmental education opportunities