Governor Lamont Announces Commissioner Katie Dykes Leaving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Names Emma Cimino as Acting Commissioner

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes will be leaving her position with the state in July after nearly 14 years of state service to explore new professional opportunities.

Upon her departure, Governor Lamont will name DEEP Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino to serve as the agency's acting commissioner.

"The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's mission is more important than ever," Governor Lamont said. "For many years, Katie has been a trusted advisor and an innovative, effective leader for DEEP, working tirelessly to secure clean, affordable energy, tackle our toughest pollution challenges, modernize environmental regulation, and invest in our parks and natural resources, all while building a capable team that will carry the department's mission forward. Deputy Commissioner Cimino is a skilled, experienced leader who knows DEEP well, and I appreciate her willingness to serve in this leadership position."

Commissioner Dykes has led DEEP since January 2019, when she was nominated to the position by Governor Lamont at the start of his first term in office, and she was re-confirmed in 2023 at the start of Governor Lamont's second term. She previously served as chair of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority from 2016 to 2019, and as DEEP's deputy commissioner for energy from 2012 to 2016.

Under Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes's leadership, the state prevented the premature retirement of the Millstone nuclear facility in 2019, with a contract that has earned ratepayers $400 million to date. The 704 MW Revolution Wind offshore wind project has advanced from contract to construction and is now supplying clean, affordable power to our grid, despite federal opposition. Commissioner Dykes has been a champion for ISO-New England reform and regional energy cooperation. Leading by example, the state has cut emissions in state facilities by nearly 30% through the GreenerGov initiative, and DEEP has secured nearly a billion dollars in federal funding for heat pumps, electric school buses, EV charging, solar, efficiency, and broadband initiatives.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DEEP delivered on Governor Lamont's commitment to keep state parks open and accessible as visitor demand almost doubled, with 17 million visitors in 2021 alone. With the support of the Governor and the General Assembly, Commissioner Dykes oversaw a historic investment of $140 million to refurbish state park facilities; stabilized the Passport to the Parks program; expanded parks staffing for the first time in three decades; launched the CTParks.com website; promoted equitable access via Park Connect and all-terrain wheelchair rentals; and established the DEEP Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences to spur public-private partnerships and grow Connecticut's outdoor recreation economy-the second largest in New England.

Carrying out Governor Lamont's vision for effective government, DEEP has improved the transparency, predictability, and efficiency of environmental regulation to better protect the environment while supporting economic growth. Through Commissioner Dykes's 20BY20 and 20BY26 initiatives, DEEP established expected timeframes for 125 permit types; reduced long-pending permit backlogs by 78% since 2019; sped up grant contract execution times by more than 60% since 2022; and created a Concierge Service for permit facilitation that has a 95% satisfaction rating. Years of diligent work with legislators and stakeholders resulted in the approval of Release-Based Cleanup Regulations in 2025 to replace the outdated Transfer Act framework.

Under Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes's leadership, DEEP has strengthened environmental protection and natural resource conservation by launching new grant programs for waste reduction and organics diversion; expanding air quality monitoring and clean transportation investment; revamping urban forestry and environmental justice programs; modernizing fish hatcheries; and protecting more than 20,000 acres of important habitat and open space. Commissioner Dykes has led DEEP to create new forums to engage stakeholders on complex issues, such as the Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council, an expanded Governor's Council on Climate Change, and the Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management. During Commissioner Dykes's tenure, DEEP has strengthened emergency response and communication during extreme weather events, including record-breaking rainfall, drought, damaging floods, poor air quality from wildfire smoke, and an unprecedented wildfire season; established the DEEP Climate Resilience Office; and launched the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund as a "one-stop shop" to help municipalities and partners plan, design, and implement energy resilience, flood mitigation, and nature-based solutions.

"It has been the honor of my professional life to serve the people of Connecticut for nearly fourteen years, including more than seven years as DEEP commissioner," Commissioner Dykes said. "I am incredibly proud of DEEP's extraordinary staff and the many great things we have accomplished for the people and the environment of Connecticut. I feel confident that this is the right moment for a transition, both for DEEP and for me personally-an opportunity for new leadership to guide the agency forward, and for me to explore new professional opportunities. I am so grateful to Governor Lamont for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve."

In her current position, Deputy Commissioner Cimino has been responsible for leading DEEP's Environmental Quality Branch-overseeing air management, water protection and land reuse, and materials management and compliance assurance-since 2023. Prior to joining DEEP, Deputy Commissioner Cimino worked in the office of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, where she led the senator's work on energy, environment, and infrastructure issues, including work on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. She has also served as a senior energy policy analyst for the National Governor's Association, and served as director of government affairs and special advisor on energy policy to Governor Dannel P. Malloy.

"I am honored by Governor Lamont's confidence in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve as acting commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection," Deputy Commissioner Cimino said. "Since I came to DEEP two and a half years ago, I've been lucky to work alongside DEEP's talented and dedicated staff as they work every day to protect Connecticut's environment, ensure a reliable and affordable energy future, conserve our natural resources, and expand access to the outdoors for all residents. I look forward to building on Commissioner Dykes' legacy, furthering DEEP's mission to protect public health and the environment, and support municipalities, businesses, community organizations, and residents across the state."

DEEP is the state agency responsible for conserving, improving, and protecting the natural resources and the environment of Connecticut, as well as making cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut's economy and creating jobs, and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.