Katie Dykes Steps Down as DEEP Commissioner

Katie Dykes, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, announced June 5 that she will step down from her position in July.

Dykes, who led DEEP for nearly eight years, said the decision was made to allow for a leadership transition at the agency while she explores new professional opportunities.

Gov. Ned Lamont is expected to appoint DEEP deputy commissioner Emma Cimino, who has been with the agency for two-and-a-half years, as acting commissioner.

“It has been the honor of my professional life to serve the people of Connecticut,” Dykes said in a statement.

“I feel confident that this is the right moment for a transition, both for DEEP and for me personally.”

Collaboration

Lamont acknowledged Dykes’ role advancing clean energy policies, modernizing environmental regulations, and investing in Connecticut’s parks and natural resources.

“For many years, Katie has been a trusted advisor and an innovative, effective leader for DEEP,” he said.

Dykes’ time leading DEEP was highlighted by a series of regulatory reforms, including the replacement of the outdated Transfer Act with a new release-based regulatory framework.

The Transfer Act reforms were part of a broader effort by Dykes to improve the efficiency and transparency of DEEP’s regulatory programs.

She also launched the agency’s 20BY20 initiative, which established measurable goals aimed at strengthening permitting, compliance, and customer service functions.

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima called Dykes’ willingness to work with the business community to implement regulatory changes “instrumental.”

“The productive partnership between the business community and DEEP and their counterparts at the Department of Economic and Community Development is is a model for working with other state agencies to address our challenges and unlock more opportunities,” he said.