Statement from Senator Tony Hwang on PURA’s Decision to Deny the Proposed Sale of Aquarion Water

(View Press Conference Comments)

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s decision to deny the proposed sale of Aquarion Water to the Regional Water Authority marks a significant moment for Connecticut residents, local communities, and the future oversight of critical public resources. State Senator Tony Hwang (R—Fairfield), who has been a leading voice urging cautious review of the proposal, applauded the ruling saying it confirms the concerns he and others have raised throughout the process. The push for this scrutiny began during last year’s special session, when Senate Republicans opposed legislation that enabled the bid and warned that the proposal was being advanced without sufficient transparency or public input.

While he welcomed PURA’s decision, Sen. Hwang stressed that vigilance is still necessary. Any future proposals involving water utilities, he said, must be rooted in transparency, accountability, and the protection of consumers and communities. “Today’s decision is a meaningful step toward preserving the public’s trust,” Hwang said. “Now, as legislators, we have a duty as well to remain vigilant of enabling legislation that could have unintended consequences down the road so we do not make the same mistakes.”

From the outset, Sen. Hwang argued that the process lacked basic transparency and public engagement. “Connecticut families should never be asked to shoulder risks they were never fully told about,” Hwang said. “Residents and local officials were given little clarity on how the sale would affect water rates, municipal revenue, or environmental protections.”

He called for open hearings, independent analysis, and a full accounting of the fiscal and regulatory implications. Moving Aquarion away from PURA’s rate-setting oversight raised questions about potential cost increases, while uncertainty around local budgets created further concern. “Water is not just another asset,” Hwang said. “It is a public necessity, and any changes to its management must be in the public interest. Municipalities shouldering the burden of revenue losses need to have a seat at the table as well.”

Environmental protections also remained key to his objections. Aquarion’s extensive watershed holdings are vital to water quality and conservation, and Hwang emphasized the need to preserve strong oversight of land stewardship, PFAS mitigation, and public health safeguards. “These watershed lands like Easton, Newtown, Fairfield, Bethel, are essential to the health and safety of our constituents,” Hwang said. “We cannot risk weakening the protections that keep our water clean and our communities safe.”

Hwang underscored that opposition to the transaction was broad and bipartisan. He worked alongside Senate Republicans, Attorney General William Tong, legislators, municipal leaders, and environmental advocates who urged PURA to fully examine the consequences of the sale. “Protecting essential resources should never be a partisan issue,” he said.