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Commission hears concerns about utility-scale solar siting, Siting Council preemption and local input
Summary
Commissioners discussed recent solar‑farm activity, the limits of local control when projects are reviewed by the Connecticut Siting Council, and legislative efforts to increase local authority; participants said state action and tax treatment remain open issues for towns.
Commissioners reviewed recent utility‑scale solar activity in the region and discussed limits on local control when projects are reviewed by the Connecticut Siting Council.
Staff and commissioners reported tree clearing on a ridgeline property linked to a solar project and noted that some projects come to the town only in a comment capacity because the Siting Council has primary approval authority for state‑level energy projects. The commission discussed that the Siting Council process allows towns to submit comments and recommendations but that local zoning authority can be preempted depending on the application and state law.
Members referenced past local negotiations (the Plat(t) Hill project) where the town negotiated energy credits and conditions and where wetlands and other town departments provided input that the Siting Council considered. The group also noted pending or recent legislation addressing local input and property-tax treatment of solar installations; commissioners said a bill to expand local authority did not pass in the most recent session and that tax and valuation rules for solar remain a concern for towns because large solar arrays can reduce municipal tax base if treated in certain ways.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to continue monitoring Siting Council filings, to provide notice when projects affecting town ridgelines are submitted, and to flag any opportunities where town input might change siting outcomes or secure community benefits.
