We beat UI and Halted their Monopoles
The Court rejected the CSC's backroom dealing that approved the project without real public input. It is now time for United Illumination to stop wasting time and our money and to listen to the community: Bury The Lines. I was proud to have fought alongside the Mayor, Fairfield First Selectman, and our State Delegation in protecting our communities from this horrible project.
This important reversal reaffirms the need for the transparency and accountability we fought for when passing Public Act 24-144 last year. Public Act 24-144 enhances public insight into the CSC’s decision-making, increases municipal participation, and ensures that utility companies no longer have undue influence over projects that can significantly impact private property and environmental justice communities. It also requires the CSC to weigh the economic consequences of its decisions—an essential step forward.
Thanks to the new law, companies like United Illuminating and Eversource must now consult with local leaders, notify affected landowners, and inform General Assembly members representing the area whenever a project is proposed. Additionally, it expands the rights of intervenors to seek judicial review of CSC decisions—another win for transparency and local accountability.
This victory is a powerful example of how legislative advocacy and community engagement can protect our neighborhoods and ensure a more equitable decision-making process.