Would You Like to Participate in a Council Meeting?
All meetings are open to the public, and the Council is interested in what you might have to say. If you would like to talk to the Council about a complaint or urgent environmental issue, there are several ways to do so:
Speak at a Public Forum: Once or twice each year, the Council may schedule a public forum(s) in different parts of the state. These forums have a single purpose: to hear about environmental concerns that are on the minds of Connecticut residents. Notices of these forums are posted on the Council's website. You can sign up to receive an e-mail when the next meeting or public forum is scheduled.
Speak at a Monthly Meeting: Near the beginning of each monthly meeting, there is a "Citizen Comment Period" reserved for you to make brief comments to the Council regarding items not on the agenda. This is a good way to get the Council's attention for an environmental concern that you think might not be receiving adequate attention. There is a sign-up sheet at each meeting. If time does not allow for follow-up discussion by the Council at that meeting, your concern will be scheduled for staff follow-up and/or discussion at a future meeting. (Please note: Until further notice, all meetings will be conducted remotely, in compliance with Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 7B. Please check the meeting agenda for details.)
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If your concern is on the agenda and you are in the audience, you may be given an opportunity to ask a question or make a brief comment if time allows. The Chair makes every attempt to hear from interested people, but the schedule sometimes does not allow for it.
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You can request a spot on the meeting agenda in advance if you have an extended (though concise) presentation. Has your organization recently published a report on a statewide environmental topic? Do you perceive a flaw in state agency practices that is causing environmental damage? These could be topics for a future agenda. Contact the Council's staff.
You do not need to attend a meeting to have your voice heard. You can contact the Council office at any time. This is especially true for making a complaint about an environmental problem or violation. One of the Council's duties is to receive and investigate complaints, which you can submit by phone, e-mail or postal mail. Staff will investigate. If the matter requires the attention of the full Council, it will be put on a future meeting agenda.