IMPORTANT UPDATE
After the Governor’s recent appointment of a new ecology expert, the Siting Council is set to resume deliberations on Docket 516.
Please join the next Siting Council meeting on Thursday, September 4 at 1:00 PM — your participation is vital to ensure our community’s voice is heard.
See the Events page for meeting information.
Quick status of where our opposition stands:
6/26/25 the Connecticut Siting Council was expected to take a final vote on Docket 516, as directed by the Superior Court’s remand order. Based on the Council’s recent 4–2 straw vote recommending denial of the application, we had every reason to believe that outcome would hold. Instead, in a surprising turn, the Council voted to approve a motion filed by UI just two days ago asking them to delay the final vote. The request was based on a new statutory requirement that says the Council must include two members with an ecology background—and right now, it only has one. So the final vote is now on hold until the Governor appoints an additional Siting Council member with that required expertise.
6/12/25 the Connecticut Siting Council held a virtual meeting to discuss next steps in Docket #516. During the meeting, the Council took a straw vote on United Illuminating’s original application, which proposed installing massive new monopoles and transmission lines along the south side of the Metro-North railroad through Southport, Fairfield, and Bridgeport. While an official vote is still pending, a majority of Council members voted to deny the application. If that result holds, UI will be required to submit an entirely new application, triggering a fresh review process.
4/23/25 MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT The Connecticut Superior Court ruled in favor of SCNETI, the Town of Fairfield, and our fellow co-plaintiffs in our appeal challenging the Connecticut Siting Council’s approval of United Illuminating’s transmission line project through Fairfield and Bridgeport. The court found that the CSC “exceeded its statutory authority and violated principles of fundamental fairness.” Central to this decision was the fact that the Siting Council approved a project located on an entirely different route from what was originally proposed, without proper notice or an opportunity for public input. While this ruling is a significant and hard-earned victory for our community, the road ahead remains uncertain until United Illuminating announces its next steps. We remain prepared and committed to protecting our property rights, environment, history, and public safety in whatever comes next. See the judge's memorandum for more details.
1/13/25 our Appeal hearing was held in New Britain Superior Court before the Honorable Judge Matthew Budzik. Arguments were presented by attorneys from SCNETI, the Town of Fairfield, the City of Bridgeport, Southport Congregational Church, and BJ's Wholesale. Judge Budzik has 120 days to issue his decision and we are hopeful for a favorable outcome. See the 1/16/25 First Selectman's update for additional details about the hearing.
See Recent Updates page for more details