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State Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo, R-Naugatuck, said the bill would
effectively stay other power line proposals because they depend on the Bethel
to Norwalk line being built.
The measure, which passed 145-0, now goes to the state Senate where it has
strong support. Gov. John G. Rowland has indicated that he would sign a
moratorium bill.
The bill will not necessarily stop the Islander East gas pipeline from
Branford to Long Island and the new Iroquois pipeline from Milford to Long
Island. That's because the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has final say
over the siting of gas lines.
The bill directs the state to contact FERC and ask it to not approve any new
gas lines across the Sound for a year.
The legislation comes the week after the state Senate failed by two votes to
override Rowland's veto of a similar bill that would have also halted the
controversial Cross-Sound cable from New Haven to Long Island. The cable is
expected to begin primary construction next week.
Several New Haven area lawmakers said they regretted that the bill didn't
include the project, but were glad to see some type of moratorium.
"I wish to God we were having this discussion a year ago because if that
had happened the Cross-Sound cable would be included," said state Rep.
Raymond V. Collins of West Haven, one of seven GOP house members who bucked
their party and voted to override Rowland's veto.
"The public has understandably lost respect and faith in the
(permitting) process," Collins said. "I hope this (legislation)
will help to restore it."
The legislation is aimed at taming what one lawmaker called "the
chaotic, Oklahoma land rush-like" drive to build power and gas lines in
the state. Largely as a result of electricity deregulation, the state
agencies have been deluged with proposals for new utility lines.
The state will use the moratorium to conduct studies of the Norwalk overhead
line and all Sound projects.
The studies will set new standards and try to balance energy needs with the
environment, supporters said.
"We need a study," Minority Leader Robert M. Ward, R-North
Branford, said. "We need to have a system in place and protect the
environment."
Under the legislation, the state budget office will study the overhead line
from Bethel to Norwalk and task force under the auspices of the Institute for
Sustainable Energy will look at Sound projects.
The legislation adds state fisheries and environmental officials,
environmental advocates and fishermen's groups to a task force created by
Rowland last month to look at utility lines in the Sound.
Critics complained that Rowland's group was composed entirely of people
already on record in favor of new utility lines.
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