Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday said the words out loud more straightforward than he ever has: “I don’t want to build Killingly.” And while he’s hinted that he’s not thrilled with the prospect of the Killingly power plant, he’s never been quite that blunt. His comments were made to more than 300 environmental advocates attending the opening sessions of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters annual legislative priorities summit, held over Zoom this year. The governor hinted at slowing permitting and being able to “play some games there.” He also hinted that market forces may ultimately take over. “I’m not positive you’re going to see Killingly built at all,” he said. The plant has received siting council approval, after two rejections. DEEP has issued an air discharge permit and a water quality certificate for impacts to wetlands. Killingly’s developer, NTE Energy, declined to respond directly to the governor’s comments but maintained that it will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing old coal and oil plants.
