May 7, 2014
Rep. D'Agostino fought for HB 5408 and brought it to the floor in the House after constituents expressed concern and alarm at UI's proposed tree trimming plan that would have had a detrimental effect on the aesthetic of Hamden's neighborhoods.
"I understand routine trimming is necessary for UI to protect its lines and prevent frequent and sustained outages, especially considering the increase in extreme weather," said Rep. D'Agostino. "Nevertheless, their approach did not take into consideration the aesthetic of our neighborhoods, the environmental concerns, and did not replant trees to make up for the loss."
Following a series of community meetings and public hearings, legislators worked with local groups from Hamden and New Haven to draft new legislation that requires utilities to obtain written consent from property owners for the removal of trees on private property and to replace a tree for every tree removed. The bill also requires the establishment an electronic communication or email depository for tree trimming complaints, questions and inquiries.
Lastly the bill would require a disclosure on the notice to cut or prune the tree that if the owner objects to the proposed pruning or removal, and the tree falls on any utility infrastructure, the owner shall not be billed by the utility for any resulting damage.
"I want to thank Speaker Brendan Sharkey and Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, who both represent parts of Hamden, and were instrumental in the passage of this strong legislation that protects utility rate-payers and the environment," Rep. D'Agostino remarked.
The bill passed the House 138-8 late in the evening on May 2. It passed the Senate unanimously. The bill now proceeds to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.