Current Legislative Proceedings
The 2021 Connecticut General Assembly is in the early stages of considering possible bills. Brief summaries of bills affecting trees and power issues, their complete texts and their status in the legislative process will be posted. Information will also be given as to how the public can comment on and support or oppose the bills.
Senate Bill No. 950 (click to read)
Sections 2 and 3 of the bill amend Section 16-234 C.G.S. to eliminate requirements in the current law to obtain a tree warden permit or notify property owners before pruning or removing a tree in a utility protection zone in which "three phase main" electric distribution wires are located. This would include a substantial portion of all distribution wires within a municipality. It also includes a hazardous tree that could endanger any "three phase main," which would include one on private property outside the UPZ. Current law requires a tree warden permit and some notice to the private property owner for removal of a hazardous tree.
The amendments would effectively give utilities unlimited power over these trees in the public right-of-way, with no ability of tree wardens or property owners to prevent unnecessary removals, even clear cutting, and to prevent pruning that could be harmful to the health and structural integrity of the trees.
A hearing before the Energy and Technology Committee will occur at 10 am on Thursday, March 4. If you oppose this bill, you should send written testimony to ettestimony@cga.ct.gov in Word or PDF format by as soon as possible before the hearing. Testimony should clearly state your name and the bill number. You should also submit a copy to your state representatives and senators.
You may watch the hearing on YouTube Live. It may also be broadcast live and recorded on CT-N.com.
Sections 2 and 3 of the bill amend Section 16-234 C.G.S. to eliminate requirements in the current law to obtain a tree warden permit or notify property owners before pruning or removing a tree in a utility protection zone in which "three phase main" electric distribution wires are located. This would include a substantial portion of all distribution wires within a municipality. It also includes a hazardous tree that could endanger any "three phase main," which would include one on private property outside the UPZ. Current law requires a tree warden permit and some notice to the private property owner for removal of a hazardous tree.
The amendments would effectively give utilities unlimited power over these trees in the public right-of-way, with no ability of tree wardens or property owners to prevent unnecessary removals, even clear cutting, and to prevent pruning that could be harmful to the health and structural integrity of the trees.
A hearing before the Energy and Technology Committee will occur at 10 am on Thursday, March 4. If you oppose this bill, you should send written testimony to ettestimony@cga.ct.gov in Word or PDF format by as soon as possible before the hearing. Testimony should clearly state your name and the bill number. You should also submit a copy to your state representatives and senators.
You may watch the hearing on YouTube Live. It may also be broadcast live and recorded on CT-N.com.
Written Testimony Submitted to the Energy and Technology Committee by GCNH and other organizations: