CT HB06868

General permits issued by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may continue indefinitely beyond expiration until a renewal decision is made, removing the previous 12-month limit, provided notice of intent to renew is published at least 180 days before expiration (effective October 1, 2025)

Establishes watershed-level compensatory mitigation as a permit condition for state projects and public trust activities impacting inland wetlands, tidal wetlands, and coastal waters, with mitigation lands preserved in perpetuity (effective July 1, 2025)

Requires the DEEP Commissioner to submit a report by February 1, 2026 evaluating improvements to environmental reviews under the state Endangered Species Act, including recommendations for third-party consultant qualifications and Natural Diversity Data Base review process enhancements

Converts petition-triggered hearings for DEEP licenses from contested case hearings to public informational hearings unless petitioners demonstrate specific legal aggrievement or meet intervention requirements under section 22a-19

Extends the objection deadline for permit applicants to respond to hearing petitions from seven business days to ten calendar days, and establishes a 30-day deadline for the Commissioner to determine petition validity