Pursuant to Public Act No. 04-246, "the Connecticut Siting Council (Council) shall, in accordance with section 11-4a of the general statutes, submit a report containing the Council’s most recent version of its standards for best management practices for electric and magnetic fields for electric transmission lines." Additionally, Connecticut General Statute § 16-50t(c) states, in part, that "The Council shall adopt, and revise as the Council deems necessary, standards for best management practices for electric and magnetic fields for electric transmission lines. Such standards shall be based on the latest completed and ongoing scientific and medical research on electromagnetic fields and shall require individual, project-specific assessments of electromagnetic fields, taking into consideration design techniques including, but not limited to, compact spacing, optimum phasing of conductors, and applicable and appropriate new field management techniques."

In response to this provision, the Council retained a private contractor to review current scientific literature regarding potential health effects from exposure to electric and magnetic fields and, based on this report, to assist the Council in revising the current best management practices for electric and magnetic fields.

The Council will conduct a declaratory ruling proceeding pursuant to the provisions of Connecticut General Statute § 4-176, et seq., of the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act to allow for cross examination and public comment regarding the draft EMF Best Management Practices. The Council will establish a 30-day public comment period upon closing of the hearing. After reviewing cross examination and public comments, the Council will issue a final version of the EMF Best Management Practices.

The Council has established the following schedule:

Tentative Schedule