Fairfield Files Appellant's Brief In Court Against UI Monopole Plan

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield filed an appellant's brief with the Superior Court on Friday in its continuing fight against United Illuminating's proposal to install tall monopoles to carry high-voltage transmission lines through parts of Fairfield and Bridgeport.

In March, the Town filed an appeal challenging the legality of the Connecticut Siting Council’s decision granting UI a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the construction of the overhead transmission lines along a new route to the north side of Metro-North train tracks.

From the announcement:

The appeal came after months of Siting Council hearings where the Town and other impacted intervenors repeatedly raised concerns about UI’s plan to install massive monopoles on the south side of the Metro North train tracks and challenged whether there was any need at all for this project. On February 16, 2024, the Council instead approved a double-circuit overhead route to the north side of the tracks, even though UI never presented a design for that option, and even though UI stated that siting its transmission lines to the north was not viable.

"The brief makes clear that the Siting Council failed to meet its obligation to satisfy the requirement to balance the alleged public need with the environmental impact, and has done a disservice to our residents," First Selectman William Gerber said. "The Town and the abutters on the north side of the railroad tracks were denied due process rights to contest the merits of the plan, as UI never presented a design for this route to the Council. The Town is asking the Court to sustain its appeal and order that the Siting Council decision be vacated."

He continued, "We are committed to fight for the rights of our community. Ratepayers as well as residents have a right to understand and weigh in on the impacts of potentially having new giant monopoles erected in their backyards."

The brief is available here:
https://civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov/DocumentInquiry/DocumentInquiry.aspx?DocumentNo=28330812