Senator Tony Hwang Condemns Siting Council’s Shocking Approval on Docket 516R

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2025

HARTFORD, CT—In a stunning and deeply disturbing reversal, the Connecticut Siting Council today approved United Illuminating’s controversial proposal under Docket No. 516R in a straw poll vote, which would allow the installation of massive electric transmission monopoles along the Metro-North railroad corridor through Fairfield, Southport, and Bridgeport. The decision directly contradicts the Council’s 4-2 straw poll vote on June 12, 2025, which had indicated clear opposition to the plan. The move has ignited frustration and anger across the affected communities.

State Senator Tony Hwang (R—Fairfield) called the Council’s decision “shocking, disturbing, and a betrayal of public trust.” He said the action disregards months of unified, passionate opposition from residents, community leaders, and local and state officials. “The Siting Council has chosen to ignore the will of the communities they are supposed to serve and reverse their straw poll decision from just under three months ago. What happened between that straw poll and now? What has changed? Those are questions I believe the Siting Council failed to answer in their meeting today,” he said.

Hwang criticized United Illuminating and its parent company Avangrid for their lack of meaningful engagement throughout the process. He said the companies “have consistently avoided meaningful, transparent engagement with affected residents, municipalities, and environmental stakeholders.” He added that today’s vote “rewards a utility company that has refused to listen, and it undermines the core principles of good governance.”

Reaffirming his strong support for the people of Fairfield, Southport, and Bridgeport, Hwang said, “I stand firmly with the residents, local leaders, and small businesses of these communities. Their voices matter. Their history, their environment, their quality of life matters. This project is not just flawed, it is fundamentally irresponsible.”

Calling for a reset of the application process, Hwang urged the Siting Council to require UI to file a new proposal under current law. “We need a new application—one that fully complies with the legislative requirements enacted in 2023,” he said. “That means transparency, accountability, and a process that respects economic and social equity, environmental sustainability, and the cultural and historical preservation of our communities.”

Hwang also called on Governor Lamont to act, stating, “I urge Governor Lamont to act now. Our communities need a fully seated, impartial Siting Council and a process that reflects the values and concerns of the people, not the preferences of powerful utilities.”

Despite the setback, Hwang emphasized that the fight is far from over. “We will not stop,” he said. “We will continue to demand a fair, open, and equitable process that protects our communities, respects our values, and upholds the public interest. The people of Fairfield, Southport, and Bridgeport deserve nothing less.”