Substitute Bill No. 5453 Summary

• Restructures Connecticut Siting Council membership to include five public members appointed by the Governor (at least two with ecology expertise and at least three with engineering expertise) plus four ad hoc members from affected municipalities, effective October 1, 2024.

• Requires the council to employ staff with specific expertise: at least two employees with engineering expertise and at least three with financial analysis expertise.

• Establishes a "clear and convincing standard of evidence" for council decisions on facility certificates and adds economic value as a factor in environmental impact assessments.

• Requires municipal chief elected officials to submit approval, disapproval, or conditions for solar photovoltaic facilities over 2 megawatts within 30 days, which the council must follow.

• Enhances property owner protections in condemnation proceedings by requiring utilities to provide 60 days' advance notice by certified mail before acquisition and allowing property owners 30 days after notice to challenge the necessity of taking before the council.