Three of the state’s largest environmental groups have announced their opposition to the proposed power plant in Burrillville, citing concerns over threats to the climate, forest habitats and biodiversity.
Save the Bay, The Nature Conservancy and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island have each released a statement expressing strong opposition to the Burrillville power plant, proposed by the company Invenergy. These groups are members of the Environment Council of Rhode Island, which established its strong opposition to the project earlier this year.
Save the Bay is asking the state’s Energy Facility Siting Board to withhold making a decision on the power plant until next year, after the state adopts a formal plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Nature Conservancy and the Audubon Society share those climate concerns.
They all say the power plant would threaten the area forest and its biodiversity, and that energy efficiency and renewable energy should be considered first to meet future energy needs.
But Invenergy officials say the proposed project would be an important part of the region’s energy mix to meet future demand and decrease carbon emissions.
Meanwhile, business and labor groups strongly support the proposed power plant.
The project’s application is still under review.
Note: This post has been updated.
