Ellington To Consider Resolution Opposing Solar On Farmland

ELLINGTON, CT — Officials in Ellington are moving to formally oppose large-scale solar projects on prime farmland following the state’s approval of the Gravel Pit Solar expansion in neighboring East Windsor.

Ellington First Selectman Laurie Burstein said she plans to present a revised resolution Monday night opposing large solar developments on prime agricultural land in the town.

Burstein said the proposal was first introduced during a Feb. 9 meeting of the Board of Selectmen and will return for consideration at the board’s March 9 meeting.

Resolution Follows East Windsor Solar Vote

The renewed push comes after the Connecticut Siting Council approved the expansion of the Gravel Pit Solar project earlier Thursday.

“Yet another large-scale solar grid goes on prime farmland in East Windsor despite all the town has done to stop it,” Burstein wrote in a statement posted online.

Burstein said the resolution is intended to reinforce Ellington’s planning goals, including protections outlined in the town’s Plan of Conservation and Economic Development that call for preserving the community’s western agricultural belt.

While municipalities have limited authority over large renewable energy projects approved by the state, Burstein said the town hopes to send a clear message about protecting farmland.

Residents will have the opportunity to review and discuss the revised resolution at Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, she said.

East Windsor Officials Express Frustration

East Windsor First Selectman Jason Bowsza said the town strongly opposed the Gravel Pit Solar expansion during the state review process.

According to Bowsza, the town formally participated in the proceeding, presented evidence and testimony, and submitted a petition signed by more than 2,100 residents who opposed the project.

Several residents also participated directly in the evidentiary process as parties to the case, he said.

Despite those efforts, Bowsza said the Connecticut Siting Council again approved the project.

“Municipal concerns and local planning considerations were given limited weight in the final outcome,” Bowsza said.

Bowsza said the Board of Selectmen will meet with the town’s legal counsel to evaluate potential legal remedies and determine next steps following the decision.

Towns Continue Pushing For State Reform

Local officials say the broader issue stems from state law, which gives the Connecticut Siting Council authority over large energy infrastructure projects.

Bowsza said East Windsor has continued to push for legislative reforms that would give municipalities a greater role in siting decisions.

He testified Feb. 20 before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Environment Committee in support of Senate Bill 144, which would provide municipal representation on the Siting Council when projects are proposed within a community.

He also testified Thursday before the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee regarding House Bill 5340, which would extend incentives for additional grid-scale solar development.

Bowsza said the town will continue advocating for reforms that give municipalities a stronger voice in determining where large-scale renewable energy projects are located.