Burrillville Says $1 Million Needed to Fight Invenergy, Will Use Invenergy’s Own Money to Do So
Thursday, June 22, 2017
The Town of Burrillville says that $1 million is needed to fight the Invenergy power plant and that they will use Invenergy’s own money to fight it.
“We knew that Invenergy with its deep pockets was going to unleash a political and public propaganda campaign designed to win EFSB approval. In fact, we are now seeing Invenergy’s latest publicity campaign that funds the launch of Rhode Islanders for Affordable Energy – a newly named group to support the plant," said Town Council President John Pacheco.
"We urge people to carefully look at the statements and advertisements from the group. Keep in mind these are Invenergy’s alternative facts and ongoing propaganda just under a different name," said Pacheco.
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The town has set up a dedicated fund to fight the power plant using Invenergy’s own money. The money is provided under the tax agreement negotiated by the Town with Invenergy.
“We knew we would never be able to battle this power plant without additional funding and we also knew despite our best efforts, the power plant could still be forced on us. The tax agreement was to protect the interests of the Town, and since it provides for upfront money with no strings attached, we are using that money to oppose the plant,” said Pacheco.
So far the Town has received $1.175 million as a result of the agreement - and that money is in a dedicated fund to battle the plant.
Energy Facility Siting Act
Efforts remain underway in the General Assembly to pass legislation that would change the Energy Facility Siting Act.
According to the Town Council's release, House Bill H6051 and Senate Bill S0769A were introduced to "provide a more measured approach to decisions on energy plant locations."
The proposed legislation would increase the membership of the EFSB, adding local representation and including "meaningful local participation of host communities in the hearing and decision-making process of the board."
Related Slideshow: FY18 House Finance Budget
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