The Connecticut Siting Council unexpectedly approved United Illuminating’s request to delay a vote on its controversial plan to install overhead electric transmission lines on monopoles in Fairfield and Bridgeport.
The stay awaits the appointment by Gov. Ned Lamont of a CSC member with experience in the field of ecology.
“The Governor is actively working to fill the vacancy recently created on the siting council and plans to make an appointment soon, to ensure they can continue their work without further disruption,” said Rob Blanchard, communications director for Lamont.
The siting council had planned to take a formal vote on June 26 before it was presented with UI’s motion to stay. A straw poll taken on June 12 resulted in the rejection of UI’s application.
The issue involves UI’s planned project to install monopoles along seven miles of the state Department of Transportation’s Metro-North Railroad corridor, from east of Sasco Creek in Fairfield to UI’s Congress Street substation in Bridgeport.
Of the latest development, Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber stated, “We fully expect that any ecology expert who is appointed to the council will consider the monopoles’devastating aftermath for future generations.”
Gerber urged Lamont to appoint someone “with a deep understanding of the complex environmental issues at stake. This decision will affect utility projects and expectations for sustainable solutions for decades to come, and will have a lasting influence on Connecticut’s ecological and environmental integrity. Today, the threat is focused on Fairfield and Bridgeport and our coastal and inland ecosystems. Tomorrow, it will be another town at risk.”
Andrea Ozyck, co-founder of Sasco Creek Neighbors Environmental Trust Inc., said, “Our hope is that this delay results in a more rigorous, science-driven evaluation of the long-term consequences of UI’s proposal and sets a meaningful precedent for safeguarding the future of our beautiful state. We remain committed to working toward a solution that protects our historic resources, economic vitality, and property rights.”
State Sen. Tony Hwang called the pause “deeply disappointing. This delay hands an advantage to a utility company that has consistently avoided meaningful, transparent engagement with affected residents, municipalities, and environmental stakeholders.”
As for UI, spokesperson Sarah Wall Fliotsos said, “We appreciate the Connecticut Siting Council’s decision to delay their decision. We are committed to working with the council to implement the design plan they vote on in the coming weeks.”
