Bill would overhaul Connecticut trash authority

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A bill is moving through the General Assembly that would restructure Connecticut’s largest regional trash authority.

The Senate voted unanimously Friday in favor of the legislation, aimed at helping the financially struggling Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.

Under the bill, CRRA would be renamed the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority. Its maximum staff level would be reduced from 70 to 45 people. Also, the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner would be required to issue a request for proposals to redevelop CRRA’s trash-to-energy plant in Hartford.

The bill also creates a new nonprofit council to take over CRRA’s old responsibilities for promoting recycling and educating the public.

Hit hard by depressed wholesale energy prices, CRRA has considered closing its plant.