CT HB06809

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection may use stormwater infrastructure funds to acquire conservation easements along streams and rivers that require property owners to maintain vegetated buffers of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous cover instead of lawn.

Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection must develop and update by June 1, 2024 a comprehensive training program for inland wetlands agency members covering all statutory changes and common law developments applicable to agency authority.

Each member and staff of inland wetlands agencies must complete the comprehensive training program, with existing members required to complete by June 1, 2025 and newly appointed/hired members within one year of appointment; all members must complete refresher training every five years.

Commissioner must make the training program available online and annually offer it free to one person per town; inland wetlands agencies must hold at least one annual meeting presenting training information to members.

Department must adopt regulations requiring inland wetlands agencies to report to the commissioner on permits, orders, and actions, including confirmation that each agency member has completed required training.