Sen. Harding Statement on CT DEEP Audit

Sen. Stephen Harding, Ranking Senator on the Environment Committee, issued the following statement on the state’s audit of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

“The auditors’ findings clearly show a need for better management of taxpayer dollars on a variety of fronts. For example, the audit found that DEEP placed an employee on paid administrative leave, pending criminal charges, for more than 19 months. During that time span the employee received $114,983 in paid administrative leave. Of this amount, $109,239 should not have been allowed because it exceeded 30 days. The audit also pointed to the need for stronger internal controls with regard to employees’ timesheets and notifications of irregular handling of taxpayer funds. The report cited the need for DEEP to strengthen fuel logs as well as its vehicle maintenance system. As Ranking Senator on the Environment Committee, I will be closely monitoring the steps DEEP takes to better protect and manage state taxpayers’ dollars.”