Senator Tony Hwang Applauds CT Siting Council Rejection of Docket 516R:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2025

Senator Tony Hwang Applauds CT Siting Council Rejection of Docket 516R: A Win for Transparency, Accountability, and Community Advocacy

FAIRFIELD, CT – Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) welcomed the Connecticut Siting Council’s 4-2 straw poll vote rejecting United Illuminating’s Docket 516R, a controversial plan to install large transmission monopoles along the Metro-North Railroad corridor through Fairfield and Bridgeport.

“This is a major victory for the people of Fairfield, Bridgeport, and every community that stood together to oppose a harmful, unnecessary project,” said Senator Hwang. “The people spoke – clearly, persistently, and passionately, and this time, the Siting Council listened.”

A straw poll is a non-binding, preliminary vote taken by Council members to indicate how they intend to vote on the record. The 4-2 outcome sends a powerful signal: UI’s application failed to meet public standards, and the Council will now draft a denial and require a new, fully revised application.

“This was never just about power lines,” Hwang added. “It was about protecting our environmental integrity, holding corporations accountable, and ensuring transparency, accountability and due process in public infrastructure decisions.”

The proposal drew broad-based opposition from residents, businesses, environmental advocates, and state and town governments. Concerns included community disruption, environmental impact, lack of public notice, and procedural flaws. State officials played a leading role in organizing testimony, filing formal objections, and mobilizing public engagement.

Senator Hwang highlighted the role of bipartisan legislation passed in 2024 (Public Act 24-144), which enhanced notice requirements and empowered the Council to consider environmental and community impacts more fully. “That law helped ensure accountability—and it worked.”

“This decision affirms the power of civic engagement,” said Hwang. “Full credit belongs to the community. We stood together, not as partisans, but as neighbors to demand better. And as UI prepares its next steps, I urge everyone to stay engaged. Your voices made the difference and they will again.”