East Windsor Leaders Say Solar Approval Shows Limits Of Local Control

EAST WINDSOR, CT — East Windsor officials say they are considering possible legal options after state regulators approved the expansion of the Gravel Pit Solar project, a decision town leaders say came despite significant local opposition.

The Connecticut Siting Council voted earlier Thursday to approve the expansion under Petition 492-A, allowing the project to add up to 30 megawatts of additional solar capacity at the existing East Windsor facility.

In a report to the Board of Selectmen, First Selectman Jason Bowsza said the outcome was disappointing but not unexpected given what he described as the council’s long-standing pattern of approving most applications that come before it.

Town Led Opposition To Solar Expansion

Bowsza said the Town of East Windsor strongly opposed the expansion during the state review process.

The town formally participated in the proceeding, presented evidence and testimony, and submitted a petition signed by more than 2,100 residents opposing the project.

Several residents also became parties to the petition and participated directly in the evidentiary process before the council, he said.

Despite those efforts, the Connecticut Siting Council approved the expansion.

Bowsza said municipal concerns about the cumulative impact of repeated large-scale renewable energy developments in East Windsor were given limited weight in the final decision.

Town Evaluating Possible Legal Options

Bowsza said the next step for the Board of Selectmen will be to meet with the town’s legal counsel to evaluate whether any legal remedies may be available and determine how the town should proceed.

“For residents who are disappointed with today’s decision, I want to emphasize that the Town shares those concerns,” Bowsza said. “The frustration felt in the community is understandable.”

He said East Windsor will continue exploring every available avenue to address the issue.

Officials Push For Changes To State Law

Bowsza said the broader challenges surrounding renewable energy siting stem from state law, which gives the Connecticut Siting Council final authority over large energy infrastructure projects.

The town has continued advocating for legislative reforms that would give municipalities greater input when large renewable energy projects are proposed within their borders.

On Feb. 20, Bowsza testified before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Environment Committee in support of Senate Bill 144, which would allow municipalities to have representation on the Connecticut Siting Council when projects are proposed in their communities.

Earlier Thursday, at the same time the Siting Council was approving the Gravel Pit Solar expansion, Bowsza testified before the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee regarding House Bill 5340, legislation that would extend incentives for additional grid-scale solar development.

During that testimony, he described the years of frustration experienced by East Windsor residents and said municipalities have not yet received meaningful relief from state leaders regarding renewable energy siting decisions.

Neighboring Town Also Raising Concerns

Concerns about large-scale solar development are also emerging in neighboring Ellington, where First Selectman Laurie Burstein recently proposed a resolution opposing grid-scale solar projects on prime agricultural farmland.

Burstein is expected to present the revised resolution to the Ellington Board of Selectmen during its March 9 meeting.

Bowsza said East Windsor will continue advocating for legislative reforms aimed at giving municipalities a stronger voice in determining how and where large-scale renewable energy infrastructure is located.