Oil dealers to sue state over environmental issues tied to Malloy's natural gas expansion plan

Connecticut oil dealers are suing the state over Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's drive to expand the use of natural gas, demanding environmental reviews.

The Connecticut Energy Marketers Association, which represents about 600 oil companies, said they were fling lawsuit in Hartford Superior Court on Friday. It accuses the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority of violating state environmental laws to push through Malloy's massive energy plan.

The oil dealers are demanding that officials conduct an environmental impact study or determine that a study is necessary under state law.

Oil dealers have bitterly complained about Malloy's plan to connect about 280,000 customers over 10 years, saying the state is favoring utilities over family-owned firms.