Connecticut Energy Market Lead Steve Kochis recently spoke on the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (CTDEEP) public informational forum, which focused on potential enhancements to the Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) Program. Because of the trusted relationship Steve has built over more than 20 years of working with CTDEEP, he was nominated to represent the consulting community on the panel and provide insights into how these updates will affect Connecticut development projects.
The NDDB program, maintained by CTDEEP Wildlife Division, includes a centralized database of state-listed endangered and threatened species; this data informs the review process of proposed projects that require CTDEEP permits, including renewable energy infrastructure developments in the state. The current complexity of the NDDB review process can result in elongated review timelines—causing project delays, increased costs, and challenges to meet assessment expiration deadlines.
After conducting a study to improve the NDDB program, CTDEEP identified strategies to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and predictability of endangered species impact reviews. The topline recommendation was to implement enhanced, proactive mapping of endangered species, which could serve to streamline project needs, reduce permitting timelines, and provide higher and more applicable levels of conservation.
Combined with CTDEEP’s recent permitting process improvement initiative—which included better communication, expanded staffing, and investing in an automated review system—the suggested enhancements will modernize the NDDB program as it continues to balance goals between conservation efforts and permitting assistance.
“These improvements to the NDDB program are another significant step towards helping the State ultimately meet its renewable energy milestone goals while simultaneously continuing to evolve wildlife preservation efforts,” said Steve.
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