CTDOT: Creating cleaner, safer transportation

Press Release

The Connecticut Department of Transportation joined other state DOTs, transit agencies, advocates, and groups nationwide to celebrate Earth Day 2023. Saturday, April 22 marked the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day, and the theme, Invest in Our Planet, is deeply connected to the work of CTDOT.

“We are doing everything we can at CTDOT to reduce transportation emissions through smart infrastructure and service investments. We know the transportation sector is the single largest source of carbon emissions in Connecticut, and we have a responsibility to be part of the team making strides to protect our environment and natural resources for future generations,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Everything we do at CTDOT is rooted in advancing three principles: safety, accessibility, and sustainability. With these priorities guiding us, we are improving safety for all users of our systems, removing barriers to public transportation, and making smart, cost-effective investments to reduce carbon emissions.”

In recognition of Earth Day 2023, CTDOT is providing an update on its continued investments, programs, and policies to create a cleaner and healthier environment. These include:

EV charging infrastructure. CTDOT has installed more than 20 Level 2 electric vehicle charging ports at its headquarters to be used for light-duty fleet vehicles. There are additional 30 Level 2 chargers available for guests and employees. CTDOT will be electrifying its entire fleet of light-duty vehicles and building infrastructure across its facilities.

NEVI plan. As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $5 billion will be dedicated to the new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program to deploy electric vehicle chargers throughout the state strategically.

Pollinator program. CTDOT has 116 conservation areas comprised of approximately 200 acres of state property. These areas provide critical habitats for pollinating insects, such as bees and monarch butterflies, with more sites being added annually. These special pollinator corridors are created through reduced mowing and wildflower plantings. For more information on the Pollinator Program, visit Section 7 of the CTDOT Vegetation Management Guidelines.

Roadway clean-up. CTDOT crews spend countless hours cleaning up litter, debris, and trash from Connecticut roadways every year. The work is ongoing to protect the environment and keep motorists safe. CTDOT reminds the public the highway is not a trash can and to dispose of materials properly.

Vehicle miles traveled. Under Executive Order 21-3, CTDOT was directed to set a reduction target for vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and develop a plan of investments to influence the reductions. CTDOT has proposed a target VMT per person reduction of 5 percent by 2030, which is equivalent to 1.21 miles less per person each day and 433.17 miles fewer per person each year.

Drive Less Challenge. The Drive Less Connecticut Challenge is an annual event that runs from Earth Day through the end of May to encourage residents to drive less and instead use the state’s bus and rail systems, or carpool, vanpool, bike or walk. The campaign’s goals this year are to eliminate

275,000 pounds of emissions and 20,000 car trips, and to reduce the miles driven by single-occupant vehicles by 300,000 miles. For more information, visit CTrides.com/DLC.

Renewable energy. Under Executive Order 21-3, CTDOT identifies opportunities to deploy solar on its prop- erties and in state Right of Way. Through the CT Green Bank, CTDOT executed multiple power purchase agreements, including adding a 2.2-megawatt solar canopy at the CTDOT headquarters in Newington, and a 1megawatt solar installation at the CTtransit facility in See Energy, A37

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