Jennifer Leeper

I know that it’s late but I want to let you know the very exciting news that after months and months of work, our bill to reform the Siting Council has passed the House! 

As you know, over the past few months, United Illuminating had a transmission line proposal that would cut through the center of our district in Fairfield as well as Bridgeport, taking 19.5 acres of private and municipal property along the way.

Residents and ratepayers have been united in their opposition to this intrusive, destructive, and opaque plan, and have raised valid and specific concerns throughout the process. Nevertheless, the Siting Council has pushed the project forward, despite the concerns and the impacts this plan will have on residents.

We have unfortunately learned first hand the flaws and shortcomings of the Siting Council process. With the passage of HB 5507, the legislature has taken bold action to reform the Siting Council.

Some of these reforms include:

• Improve public notice to the municipality and abutters
• Municipalities will have automatic intervenor status
• The applicants will need to submit more robust and transparent financial analysis for their proposal and also for alternatives
• Make independent experts available to the Siting Council when evaluating applications
• Allow municipalities to recoup their legal fees if they win their appeal
• Enforce penalties on utilities for failing to meet the requirements

These reforms to the Siting Council will help ensure that the decisions they make regarding our utilities, electric transmission infrastructure, and transmission lines are more informed, comprehensive, transparent, and thoughtful. All communities deserve this.