U P D A T E - May 7, 2010

FUELCELL ENERGY AGREES TO RELOCATE POWER PLANT


Ongoing discussions among the legislature, officials of FuelCell Energy and Trumbull residents have been taking place over the past several weeks regarding the proposed site, led by Trumbull's legislative delegation, Senator Anthony Musto, Representative T.R. Rowe and Representative Tony Hwang. Agreement was recently reached to pursue an alternative location, requiring enabling legislation and support from government bodies that are involved, including the Connecticut Department Public Utility Control, Connecticut Department Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, along with the Governors Office.

State legislation was passed on May 5, 2010 that affirms the validity of a change in location for the DFC-ERG system originally slated for Huntington Turnpike and that directs the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control to consider a modified contract for a new site. By working together, FuelCell Energy, members of the Trumbull and State legislative delegations and citizen representatives from Trumbull have found a mutually-agreeable solution that will relocate the power plant and benefit Connecticut by creating clean and safe alternatives for electricity generation, a cleaner environment for future generations and more 'green' jobs in Connecticut.

"We've worked hard with the Trumbull delegation and other members of the Legislature to identify a plan supportive of Connecticut's fuel cell industry and the desires of the Trumbull community," said R. Daniel Brdar, FuelCell Energy's CEO and Chairman. "Based upon their efforts to enact enabling legislation along with Governor Rell's stated support for a project at an alternate site, we will relocate the proposed Huntington Turnpike project. We look forward to working with the legislative delegation, the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Public Utility Control to identify and approve a new location and revised power contract."

Representative Rowe stated that "This is a win-win solution, and I am very pleased with this result. Ultimately, fuel cell technology is good for Connecticut and FuelCell Energy acted as a good and responsible corporate citizen in listening to the community's concerns."

Senator Musto noted that "in this difficult economic environment, especially in the manufacturing sector, we're happy to have a company like FuelCell Energy show they respect the residents in this state and value people who use their products. I wholeheartedly support the agreement and I'll do whatever I can to support them and the industry in the future."

Representative Tony Hwang stated "this landmark agreement reflected a total 'team' effort where legislators, Trumbull residents and FuelCell Energy showed cooperation, mutual understanding and a lot of hard work can lead to a positive solution for all parties involved."

Governor Rell commented "A strong fuel cell industry is vital to Connecticut's economic growth. I applaud the effort to identify an outcome good for Connecticut industry and local citizens and reaffirm my support for the facility at an alternative location."

Beginning with the first Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) passed in 2003, the Connecticut State Government has demonstrated forward thinking in recognizing and embracing the importance of alternative energy sources to improve the efficiency of power generation, reduce pollution, lessen reliance on imported power from other states, and create jobs. Fuel cells are an important component of the Connecticut Project 150 and RPS.

Over three years ago, FuelCell Energy, Inc. began the approval process to locate a Direct Fuel Cell-Energy Recovery Generator (DFC-ERG) system at an existing natural gas letdown station on the Huntington Turnpike in Trumbull, CT. This proposed project has followed the State proscribed process; a process originated by the State Legislature in 2003 with a bill titled PA 03-135, which incorporated open public review. The project was designed to help Connecticut meet its needs for electricity while decreasing CO2 and harmful pollutants.

GOVERNOR JODI RELL SUPPORTS TRUMBULL RESIDENTS

Governor M. Jodi Rell Residents from Trumbull, the Trumbull First Selectman and the state legislators met with Governor Jodi Rell's office to discuss FuelCell Energy's proposal to build a natural gas power plant in a residential neighborhood. After listening to the residents and visiting the site, the governor is writing a letter of support for the community and our elected officials. The residents of Trumbull appreciate Governor Rell's support and will continue to work with our elected representatives in fighting FuelCell Energy and their proposal

Click to read the letter

CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR DAN MALLOY SUPPORTS TRUMBULL RESIDENTS

Governor M. Jodi Rell Residents of Trumbull met with candidate for Governor Dan Malloy to discuss FuelCell Energy's proposal to build a natural gas power plant in a residential neighborhood.. Mr. Malloy served 14 years as the Mayor of Stamford and oversaw the city's transformation. The residents expressed their concerns and then walked the proposed site with Mr. Malloy. He agreed this proposal is not suitable for this neighborhood or any residential neighborhood. He pledged to do everything he can to help the residents in this fight. The community appreciates his support and will continue to work with our elected representatives in fighting FuelCell Energy and their proposal.

US SENATE CANDIDATE ROB SIMMONS SUPPORTS TRUMBULL RESIDENTS

Rob Simmons site visitWe would like to thank candidate for US Senate Rob Simmons for visiting with the residents of Trumbull. In Congress, Rep. Simmons served on the Armed Services, Transportation, Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committees. After three terms in Congress, Rob was appointed by Governor M. Jodi Rell as Connecticut’s first Business Advocate.
After hearing residents concerns, he took the time to walk the proposed site and agreed that this technology is not appropriate for any residential neighborhood. He pledged to do everything he can to help the residents in this fight. The community appreciates his support and will continue to work with our elected representatives in fighting FuelCell Energy and their proposal.

CT SENATOR DAN DEBICELLA SUPPORTS TRUMBULL RESIDENTS

Sen Debiicella visitWe would like to thank CT Senator Dan Debicella for visiting with the residents of Trumbull and walking the proposed site for the power plant. Senator Debicella felt this is not just an issue for Trumbull, but for all of Connecticut . " Power plants like these are not true " alternative energy " and do not belong in residential neighborhoods.   The legislature did not envision fuel cells that use fossil fuels as "renewable"-- we were looking to give incentives to next generation technology.   Equally as important, we simply don't want power plants in residential neighborhoods. There are too many safety, security and health concerns, and it is far too risky to justify the limited energy produced." The community appreciates his support and will continue to work with our elected representatives in fighting FuelCell Energy and their proposal.

Click to read the letter

ROB RUSSO SUPPORTS TRUMBULL RESIDENTS

Rob RussoResidents from Trumbull met with congressional candidate Rob Russo to discuss FuelCell Energy's proposal to build a natural gas power plant in a residential neighborhood. Mr. Russo has served as Governor Jodi Rell’s Fairfield County District Director providing him with an extensive knowledge of the local governments, non-profit organizations, community associations, local businesses, and needs of all of the voters in the fourth congressional district. Mr. Russo pledged to do everything he can to help the residents in our fight and the community appreciates his support and will continue to work with our community leaders in fighting FuelCell Energy and their proposal.

US CONGRESSMAN JIM HIMES SUPPORTS TRUMBULL RESIDENTS

US Congressman Himes visitWe would like to thank US Representative Jim Himes for visiting with the residents of Trumbull and walking the proposed site for the power plant. Congressman Himes included national security as an additional reason the site should not be selected “You can't protect our infrastructure if these things are scattered all over the place around residential areas.” The community appreciates his support and the letter he had read to the Trumbull town forum and will continue to work with our elected representatives in fighting FuelCell Energy and their proposal.

Click to read the letter

CT SECRETARY OF STATE SUSAN BYSIEWICZ SUPPORTS TRUMBULL RESIDENTS

SOTS Susan BysiewiczWe would like to thank CT Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz for supporting our cause and writing a letter to the town. In her letter, Secretary Bysiewicz writes "In light of the Kleen Energy Power Plant explosion in my home town of Middletown on February 7 that caused six deaths and over twenty injuries as well as damage to several homes, building the Fuel Cell Energy power plant in this residential neighborhood is not appropriate and should not be approved." The community appreciates her support and will continue to work with our elected representatives in fighting FuelCell Energy and their proposal.

Click to read the letter

CT SENATOR JONATHAN HARRIS LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR TRUMBULL RESIDENTS

Sen Harris visitAfter meeting with the residents of Trumbull, CT Senator Jonathan Harris has written a letter supporting our cause that was read at the recent town forum. In his letter, Senator Harris writes "The residents and I discussed the current laws and regulatory scheme (or the lack thereof) in place that essentially allows these facilities, with little or no way for citizens also to protect themselves. This is a crucial issue to not only the residents of Trumbull, but for our entire state." The community appreciates his support and will continue to work with our elected representatives in fighting FuelCell Energy and their proposal.

Click to read the letter

TRUMBULL RESIDENTS GET LOCAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT

Local and State Legislative supporters The residents of Trumbull have received tremendous community and legislative support from Trumbull First Selectman Timothy Herbst, CT State Representatives TR Rowe and Tony Hwang and CT State Senator Anthony Musto. They have spent countless hours with the community arranging meetings, speaking on our behalf and actively seeking to change the law to properly identify and site these types of natural gas fuel cell power plants. The community appreciates there support and will continue to work with our elected representatives in fighting FuelCell Energy and their proposal.

FuelCellEnergyOn February 9th 2010, FuelCell Energy issued certified letters to around 12 residents of Trumbull informing them of their intent to construct a 3.4 megawatt power plant on the corner of Primrose Dr. and Huntington Turnpike - less than 1,000 FEET from the nearest school, 500 FEET from a historic district, and LESS THAN 150 FEET from the nearest home! . The letter was dated ONE WEEK prior to the petition date, DOES NOT give the location of the power plant, and has a target petition date on a municipal holiday when offices and schools are closed!

Like Middletown's Kleen Energy plant, the FuelCell Energy power plant will run on natural gas, a non-renewable energy source and:

 

•  Emits between 46,000 and 66,000 pounds of the greenhouse gas CARBON DIOXIDE EACH DAY!

•  Uses approximately 13,000 gallons of water EACH DAY!

•  Mercaptan, the agent added to ensure you can smell natural gas leaks, must be REMOVED to operate the fuel cells!

•  Is manufactured by a company that has limited experience manufacturing their products on a commercial basis!

The citizens of Trumbull quickly organized and are fighting along with local and state elected officials to stop FuelCell Energy from building its power plant. Before it can start construction FuelCell Energy must win approval before the Connecticut Siting Council which is tasked with, among other things, working to protect Connecticut's scenic, historic, and recreational values."We must stop this Connecticut Siting Council approval by letting the Connecticut Siting Council know support for Connecticut business and clean energy does NOT have to include sacrificing its communities.

Please contact your local and State representatives and tell them:

WE DO NOT WANT POWER PLANTS BUILT IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS!
Aerial Map Toronto Plant
Rendering of potential view of Trumbull site
Aerial View of Proposed Site
Toronto Faciltiy
DFC 3000 Module 1MW Santa Rita Fuel Cell Fuel Cell Module
Picture of DFC1500 - Trumbull slated for DFC3000 (2 - DFC1500's)
1-MW fuel cell at Santa Rita Correctional Facilty
2.2 MW DFC-ERG™ fuel
cell power plant in Toronto Canada

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