Stephen Mulcahey – RI Future

WHEREAS, Invenergy’s Clear River Energy has proposed a $700 million project to construct a natural gas-fired electric power plant in the Town of Burrillville, which will consist of two single shaft “H” Class combined cycle units with output up to 1000 Mega watts, air cooled condensers and duel fuel capability (natural gas and oil back up) and is schedule for a June 2019 commercial operation date for Unit 1 and 2020 for Unit 2 and;

WHEREAS, the Burrillville Democratic Town Committee has deep reservations and concerns about the safety and quality of life for local residents if the Clear River Energy Center comes to fruition, and;

WHEREAS, the Burrillville Democratic Town Committee has historically and proudly striven to protect the rural character of Burrillville and Northern Rhode Island through legislative means and does now believe that the town’s infrastructure will be tested beyond limits to support the proposed power plant, and;

WHEREAS, the Burrillville Democratic Town Committee has been and will always continue to be a strong supporter of our environment and protector of our piece of a rural, tranquil corner of the state, which has already seen the ill effects of severe water contamination and the trickledown effect of the same.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Burrillville Democratic Town Committee, as tireless advocate of the core principles of the Democratic Party, in protecting the interests of working families, protecting our children and elders and those most vulnerable and fighting for sensible comprehensive planning, that it OPPOSES the construction of Invenergy’s Clear River Energy Center within the borders of Burrillville, Providence County or the State of Rhode Island and hereby goes on record of its decision to encourage the Energy Facility Siting Board to deny Invenergy’s request to locate its proposed construction in Burrillville, Rhode Island.

Passed as a Resolution of the Burrillville Democratic Town Committee this 7th day of June, 2016

As the Burrillville Democratic Party Chairman, I am stating my opposition to the proposed Invenergy gas power plant in the village of Pascoag.

I have deep reservations and concerns about the safety and quality of life for local residents should this power plant be allowed to be built. I am very concerned for the welfare of the people living and working in Pascoag The very rural character that Burrillville residents are proudest of and continuously fight to protect would be compromised.

In addition, the town infrastructure, including its roads, would be severely tested, and police, fire, and rescue services would be pushed beyond their capacity to respond adequately should a natural or man-made disaster occur at the plant.

As a Democrat, I believe strongly in protecting our environment. I’m greatly concerned that should this plant be constructed, our abundant, pristine water systems that surround the proposed site would be at risk for contamination and environmental disturbance. Noise pollution and light pollution are another concern. Our town has already suffered from a water contamination crisis. Do we really want to chance another crisis that could have been prevented?

I will remain a tireless advocate for the core principles of the Democratic Party: the interests of working families; protecting our children, elders, and most vulnerable; fighting for rigorous and comprehensive planning; and encouraging public participation in town governance.

I look forward to working with like-minded residents to prevent this plant from being built here in Burrillville.

Author: Stephen Mulcahey

Burrillville Democratic Town Committee opposes power plant

Burrillville Democratic Party Chairman announces opposition to power plant