Jennifer Leeper

Happy Thursday!
 
I have some great news that I am so excited to share with you: The CT Siting Council met today and fully rejected United Illuminating's monopole transmission line project proposal in Fairfield and Bridgeport!  

This is a major update that came as a result of our community partnering with Bridgeport and all sticking together, united in what we knew was a just fight. We have been doggedly persistent, ensuring the Siting Council heard the conviction of our concerns, and showing how powerful a grassroots movement can really be.

This ruling means UI must resubmit their plan in accordance with the requirements passed in our 2024 legislative session. Some of those reforms include:

• Improving public notice to the municipality and abutters
• Giving municipalities automatic intervenor status
• Requiring applicants to submit more robust and transparent financial analysis for their proposal and also for alternatives
• Making independent experts available to the Siting Council when evaluating applications
• Allowing municipalities to recoup their legal fees if they win their appeal
• Enforcing penalties on utilities for failing to meet the requirements

I cannot stress how important this ruling is for the Fairfield and Bridgeport community. Because of our commitment to the cause, we stopped UI from bulldozing their way through our town and ignoring all of the negative outcomes that would have come with their plan.

To my colleagues in Fairfield and Bridgeport that worked hand-in-hand every step of the way and held steady in our convictions these past couple of years: thank you! You are all responsible for this amazing outcome, and we could not have done it without you.

While the work is not done, and UI will ultimately resubmit a monopole proposal, this is a HUGE victory for Fairfield and Bridgeport, and we should be proud. I'll be sure to keep you updated on what's next!