May 2, 2014
In response to concerns expressed by Hamden residents, Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden) led the charge in passing legislation (HB 5408) today through the House of Representatives that gives homeowners more say over whether trees on their property can be cut down or trimmed by utility companies.
An increase in severe storms in recent years has led to more lengthy and widespread power outages for Connecticut residents, with toppled trees and broken limbs falling on power lines a major culprit. Sharkey said he understands that some trees must be cut down in order to preserve the integrity of the electrical grid and to prevent outages, but believes current tree trimming decisions are too heavily weighted in favor of the utilities.
“More care should be taken in deciding how much, and where, cutting needs to be done,” Sharkey said. “The utilities need to work more closely with town residents and tree wardens to make these decisions together. The burden should rest with utility companies to show the need to trim or remove trees they believe threaten the electricity supply.”
Among the bill’s provisions are requirements for utilities to obtain written consent from property owners for the removal or cutting of trees on private property, and provide notice to property owners abutting public rights of way.
"This bill is a balanced solution made possible by the invaluable input from Hamden constituents -- from Dunbar Hill to Whitneyville -- and community groups like the Hamden Alliance for Trees," said State Representative Michael D'Agostino (D-Hamden), who led debate on the House floor. "Thanks to them, the bill will limit the utilities' ability to prune or remove trees both in the public right of way and on private property. I also want to thank the Commissioner of DEEP and PURA commissioners for their guidance and participation in this process -- especially the PURA Commissioners who came to Hamden to hear directly from area residents."
The legislation also establishes an appeal process for property owners to challenge a proposed tree cutting and to request stump removal. Final local authority regarding a specific tree rests with the municipal tree warden, with an additional appeal going before the state Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA). PURA is also required to conduct a biennial review of a utility’s tree trimming policy with input from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
"My constituents in both Hamden and New Haven expressed great concern regarding UI's tree-trimming plan,” said State Representative Robyn Porter (D-Hamden, New Haven). “We were not going to let UI tear down our natural assets. I will work with the officials in the Town of Hamden and City of New Haven to ensure that utility companies comply with every component of this bill.”
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration, where fellow Hamden lawmaker Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) also worked on the legislation with Speaker Sharkey.