Committee advances bill to increase transparency and local input on siting council proceedings

Representative Blumenthal, co-chairing the session, described House Bill 5,551 as a package of changes aimed at increasing transparency, accountability and municipal input in the state siting council’s proceedings. "It wields the power to exercise eminent domain," Blumenthal said, arguing higher disclosure of cost and profit data, stronger municipal participation and enhanced Office of Consumer Counsel involvement would protect ratepayers.

Senator Sampson said he was "more supportive than not" in principle but objected to the bill’s use of councils of governments (COGs) as ad hoc representatives instead of direct municipal delegates and to a provision requiring the Department of Agriculture to bless certain farm contracts for solar siting; he told the committee, "I'm going to vote no today" to flag those concerns as the measure moves forward.

Representative Osborne and Representative Carpino voiced support for increasing local voice, with Osborne saying the bill is a "good start" toward better local input. Carpino said he would support the bill out of committee but urged future language to ensure host communities have direct input.

The chair entertained a motion to JFS the bill (LCO 3545); the clerk called the roll and recorded members' answers, noting votes would be held open until the end of the meeting. The committee discussion focused on balancing regional and local interests for transmission and other facilities, the scope of data required from applicants, and whether costs associated with application proceedings should be charged to ratepayers.

The committee left the motion on the record for further consideration as the bill proceeds to the floor.