Governor Lamont Signs Agreement Giving Connecticut Oversight of Radioactive Materials in Research, Manufacturing, and Healthcare

Press Releases 09/25/2025 Governor Lamont Signs Agreement Giving Connecticut Oversight of Radioactive Materials in Research, Manufacturing, and Healthcare Change Streamlines Processes, Increases Efficiency, Provides Licensees Direct Access To Local Regulators While Maintaining Highest Safety Standards at No Additional Cost to Taxpayers (HARTFORD) - Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman David Wright today signed an agreement making Connecticut the federal agency's 40th "Agreement State," giving the State of Connecticut oversight over the handling of radioactive materials used by more than 100 Connecticut businesses in the research, manufacturing, and healthcare fields. The agreement allows the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to oversee the licensing, inspection, and enforcement of the use of radioactive materials in medicine, academia, and industry within the state's borders. The NRC will continue to regulate commercial nuclear power plants, such as Millstone, and spent fuel facilities, such as Connecticut Yankee. The agreement is the culmination of a multi-year process led by staff from DEEP's Radiation Division. "Today's agreement is another win for regulatory streamlining and a thriving business climate," Governor Lamont said. "Through this partnership with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Connecticut is protecting the health and safety of our residents, saving taxpayer money, and improving efficiency to help our healthcare and research industries do what they do best - provide great care and innovate." "This agreement affirms DEEP's commitment to protecting public health and safety and safeguarding the environment," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "With our skilled and dedicated staff and strong program in place, Connecticut is ready to carry out these new responsibilities with excellence. We are grateful for the NRC's guidance and collaboration throughout this process. Together, we have built a framework that ensures Connecticut remains a leader in radiation safety and emergency preparedness." Today's announcement will provide real, significant benefits to Connecticut residents and businesses. As an Agreement State, Connecticut will be able to streamline processes and increase efficiency, all while maintaining the highest safety standards. Trained DEEP staff with decades of experience and thousands of hours of NRC instruction will oversee licensing, inspection, and enforcement of the use of radioactive materials that industries, hospitals, and universities utilize to provide top quality healthcare and continue to innovate. The Agreement State framework eliminates dual regulation and provides licensees direct access to local regulators who know their communities, without any additional cost to licensees or taxpayers. Connecticut's partnership with the NRC will continue. Through its periodic review process, the NRC will ensure Connecticut's program remains adequate and effective at ensuring the safe use of radioactive materials. For more information visit the NRC's Agreement State program. For more information about Connecticut's application process into this program, visit the application process page. Twitter: @CTDEEPNews Facebook: DEEP on Facebook Contact DEEP Communications [email protected] 860-424-3110 Twitter Facebook Email Print