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Hearing Allows Residents To Weigh In On Utilities’ Tree-Trimming

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority listened to concerned people sound off about a controversial tree trimming proposal on Thursday night at Ham...

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority listened to concerned people sound off about a controversial tree trimming proposal on Thursday night at Hamden Middle School. The proposal known as “Enhanced Tree-Trimming” would allow utilities to cut down trees or tree limbs that are within 8 feet of a utility line.

United Illuminating has already implemented a pilot program in Hamden, which sparked outrage among some residents. Their concerns ranged from environmental protection, to privacy rights, to cost and health issues.

“Reduced oxygen production, reduced absorption of carbon dioxide, the resulting destruction of habitat for birds and other animals,” one tree warden said.

But UI representatives, who were present at the meeting, argued that aggressive trimming is necessary to prevent mass power outages.

PURA has no pre-determined deadline to come up with a decision on how the utilities may proceed.

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