CT HB05484

Department of Transportation must develop guidelines governing tree and vegetation management, removal, and replacement along state highways for employees and contractors, with the goal of balancing environmental, landscape, and noise pollution impacts against project needs.

Guidelines must address public safety, roadside vegetation management activities (mowing, herbicide application, grassing, replanting with native species, tree removal), scenic road effects, visibility enhancement, and environmental impacts including invasive species prevention, stormwater runoff, erosion, pollinator habitat expansion, and reduced mowing.

Guidelines apply to construction projects financed in whole or part with federal funds unless they conflict with federal laws and regulations, but do not apply to tree or vegetation removal necessary for public safety or during weather-related civil preparedness emergencies.

Commissioner must submit guidelines to joint standing committees on transportation and environment within 30 days of the effective date; committees must hold a public hearing and vote within 30 days, with guidelines deemed approved if committees fail to act within that timeframe.

Department cannot remove trees or vegetation during maintenance and construction projects until guidelines are approved or deemed approved, except for public safety needs or emergency weather situations.