Senator Harding Expresses Disappointment in Governor’s Decision to Veto Bill that Would Enhance Local Zoning Control

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2023

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Hannah Lemek
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Senator Harding Expresses Disappointment in Governor’s Decision to Veto Bill that Would Enhance Local Zoning Control

HARTFORD, CT- Today, Senator Harding (R-Brookfield) expresses his deep disappointment in Governor Lamont’s decision to veto S.B. 73, An Act Establishing Local Representation on the Connecticut Siting Council. Senator Harding and members from both parties were proud to co-sponsor and champion the legislation that would have put local representation on the state siting council.

Senator Harding said, “This bipartisan effort was an attempt to provide local voices on land use issues brought before the Connecticut Siting Council. I question the Governor’s position on statewide zoning when he vetoes a bill that would simply allow one local, non-voting member on a statewide land use board which determines where utility lines are placed, where cell phone towers are built, and where waste facilities are established.”

“The neighborhoods and local communities most impacted by Siting Council projects deserve a voice. My colleagues in both the House and Senate supported this bill for that exact reason. It is a shame the Governor doesn’t believe these individuals deserve a voice,” Harding continued. “This decision only strengthens my commitment to advocate for the passage of local representation regarding all of our land use and zoning laws. I urge legislative leadership to call the Legislature into a veto session to override this poor policy decision of the Governor.”

The legislation vetoed by Governor Lamont received unanimous support in the Senate and a lone no vote in the House.

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