Submitting Written Testimony on HB 5507

March 20, 2024
Today, the Judiciary Committee, which I proudly co-chair, has a public hearing and one of the bills up for discussion is HB 5507, which would amend a statutory provision relating to the rights of parties and intervenors in proceedings before the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) relating to the construction of electric transmission lines.

I brought forward this bill because it will help environmental justice communities like Bridgeport by ensuring that when an electric distribution company (EDC) like United Illuminating or Eversource submits an application to the CSC, they must not only consult city or town leaders where the project is located in, but also notify affected landowners, as well as the members of the Connecticut General Assembly who represent the location of the project as well. It also expands the ability for intervenors in CSC decisions to obtain judicial review of an issue order.

A prime example as to why this legislation is needed is United Illuminating's monopole transmission line project through parts of Fairfield and Bridgeport. I have been working diligently with the Mayor and City Attorney’s Office in Bridgeport, as well as the First Selectman and my colleagues in Fairfield, to pressure UI to accept more community input and mitigate the detrimental effects of its project plans. We also met with UI leadership and the Governor’s Office to illustrate the adverse impact this project would have on the landscape, ecosystem and economy.

I urge you to submit your own written testimony by clicking the button below. Please select the Hearing Date “3/20/2024” and select the bill “HB 5507.”
Submit Written Testimony on HB 5507
Submitting written testimony is an important part of the legislative process. Thank you in advance for your advocacy and attention.