‘Enough Is Enough’: East Windsor Pushes Back On Growing Solar Footprint

EAST WINDSOR, CT — Opposition is intensifying against a proposed expansion of the Gravel Pit Solar project, with the town’s state representative now formally urging regulators to block it.

In a Feb. 19 letter to the Connecticut Siting Council, state Rep. Carol Hall, R–East Windsor, called on the council to reject Docket 492A, which seeks to expand the existing Gravel Pit Solar facility by an additional 500 acres.

Hall cited public safety, environmental concerns and what she described as a troubling history tied to large-scale solar projects in town.

“Before any decision is made, there are significant concerns that must be fully addressed, particularly regarding public safety, environmental protection, and community well-being,” Hall wrote.

The legislator referenced a March 11, 2025 fire at a Nextera Solar project in East Windsor that destroyed more than 40 trees, saying the incident followed prior warnings and demonstrated what she called a broader pattern of safety issues. The proposed expansion, she said, raises concerns about fire risks, environmental degradation, impacts on residents, loss of wildlife corridors and whether farmland would ultimately be restored after the project’s lifecycle ends.

Hall’s letter is the latest in a series of formal objections from town leadership.

Earlier this year, First Selectman Jason E. Bowsza asked the East Windsor Planning and Zoning Commission to issue a Regulate and Restrict order denying the expansion under state law. In that June 4 letter, Bowsza argued the project is inconsistent with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, conflicts with local zoning regulations, and would add to what he described as a disproportionate share of grid-scale solar facilities already sited in East Windsor.

According to Bowsza, the Connecticut Siting Council has approved 142 megawatts of solar capacity in East Windsor to date, consuming more than 1,000 acres — roughly 20 percent of the total approved megawattage statewide.

The town’s special counsel, Robert M. DeCrescenzo, also submitted a letter opposing the expansion, citing cumulative impacts, loss of natural habitat near Ketch Brook, residential impacts, and the conversion of farmland. That letter notes the proposed expansion would add roughly 30 megawatts and more than 500 acres across 11 parcels.

Town officials have also pushed back publicly on claims that East Windsor has the authority to block the projects.

In a released “Fact Check on Solar” document, the town states it has no authority under state law to approve or deny grid-scale solar developments, which fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Connecticut Siting Council pursuant to CGS Sec. 16-50x. The document further notes that East Windsor zoning regulations do not permit commercial solar facilities, but local regulations are preempted by state law when it comes to renewable energy facilities producing one megawatt or more.

The town confirmed it is formally opposing the Gravel Pit Solar expansion petitions and has requested party status in the proceedings before the Siting Council. Officials have also testified on proposed legislation aimed at increasing municipal input in siting decisions and have appealed past Siting Council decisions to Superior Court, according to the document.

The FAQ also addresses resident questions about purchasing farmland to prevent development, noting the town currently has $231,052 in available open space funds — far below the purchase prices typically paid by developers.

The Connecticut Siting Council has final authority over large-scale energy projects and is not bound by municipal zoning decisions, though towns and residents may participate in proceedings as parties, intervenors or through public comment.

It was not immediately clear when the Siting Council is expected to rule on the proposed expansion.