House Bill 6356 aims to protect natural assets

May 10, 2017

In a 144-1 vote, a bill I sponsored that would strengthen oversight of tree work by utilities passed in the state House of Representatives Wednesday, May 10. The bill, HB 6356, now heads to the Senate for approval.

If approved, this bill would require utility companies that are conducting vegetation management to provide further detailed advance notice to municipal tree wardens before conducting tree removal on town property. This legislation would also create consistency across the state by clarifying the required public notice concerning tree removal on town property.

This bill stems from the growing concern that municipalities did not have enough control over the tree removal process. It’s important to ensure towns continue to have a say in what happens in their local communities so we can continue to protect Connecticut’s natural assets.