Beautiful yards and shaded sidewalks, or hot, barren streets? The utility companies' aggressive tree-trimming and removal plans threaten the latter--they could cut down every tree within eight feet of a power line, even if it's not really at risk of falling.
Read more on our blog.
House Bill 5408 is a good first step in preventing this destruction. It
requires explicit written permission for tree-trimming on private property, makes it easier for residents to object to trimming of trees abutting their property, allows for stump grinding and tree replacement, and more.
The House has passed the bill, but the Senate still needs to vote--and time is running out. If the Senate doesn't vote by midnight tomorrow, the bill will die and our trees will be left unprotected.
Please call your state senator's office today. You can call after work if you need to--they'll still be there--but the sooner the better!
Look up your senator here, or simply call 800-842-1420 for Democrats or 800-842-1421 for Republicans.
All you have to say is this: "I'm a constituent from ____ and I'm worried about aggressive tree-trimming in my town. Please ask Senator ____ to talk with leadership about making sure HB 5408 gets a vote."
If you live in these districts, your senator is part of leadership and your call is especially important!
Don Williams, Senate president: 860-240-8634
(Brooklyn, Canterbury, Killingly, Mansfield, Putnam, Scotland, Thompson, Windham)
Martin Looney, majority leader: 860-240-0375
(New Haven, Hamden, North Haven)
John McKinney, minority leader: 800-842-1421
(Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston, Westport)
Bob Duff, Energy & Tech co-chair: 860-240-0414
(Norwalk, Darien)
Ask the aide if your senator plans to call HB 5408 for a vote, and let us know what they say. Thank you!
