Charlestown Joins Burrillville in Opposition to Power Plant

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At the December 12 meeting of the Town Council, the Council voted unanimously to support Burrillville in their opposition to the 1000 Megawatt gas and diesel power plant proposed in the forests of that town. The power plant is opposed by the Conservation Law Foundation and other environmental organizations. The banner image above is an artist’s rendering of the plant on its site surrounded by forest. Below is the text of the Town Council’s resolution.

TOWN OF CHARLESTOWN, RI RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE SITING OF THE CLEAR RIVER ENERGY CENTER IN BURRILLVILLE, RI

WHEREAS, on October 29, 2015 Invenergy Thermal Development LLC filed an application to Construct the Clear River Energy Center Power Plant in Burrillville, RI with the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board (EFSB); and

WHEREAS, in the months since the filing of that application, the Town of Burrillville has conducted extensive study of the application with and through credentialed professionals, including studies of noise, water, traffic and air quality, among others; and

WHEREAS, after considering expert testimony and conducting thorough public hearing the Burrillville Planning Board and Zoning Board of Review have advised the EFSB that Burrillville, RI is not a suitable site for the Clear River Energy Center; and

WHEREAS, the Burrillville Building Inspector and Burrillville Tax Assessor, have also submitted advisory opinions to the EFSB expressing the impact the proposed Clear River Energy Center would have on the Town of Burrillville; and

WHEREAS, during the past eleven months, many citizens of the Rhode Island, as well as our neighboring communities in Massachusetts and Connecticut, have expressed clear opposition to the siting of the Clear River Energy Center for reasons including the impacts on property, environment, water and traffic; and

WHEREAS, the Charlestown Town Council joins with the citizens and officials of the Town of Burrillville as well as residents throughout the State of Rhode expressing concerns and objections to the siting of the Clear River Energy Center in Burrillville, RI.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Town Council of the Town of Charlestown, RI, do hereby oppose the siting of the Clear River Energy Center in Burrillville, RI.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Charlestown, RI, be submitted to the Rhode Island Energy Facility Siting Board for consideration during their hearings on Invenergy Thermal Development LLC’s application to construct the Clear River Energy Center power plant in Burrillville, RI.

By resolution of the Charlestown Town Council at a meeting duly held on December 12, 2016.

More information on the project is available at the Town of Burrillville website and the Conservation Law Foundation.