What Does Burrillville Power Plant Mean for Newport?

NEWPORT, RI—The controversial power plant may be miles away, but conservationists are among those who say Newport has a stake in the outcome of this battle.

Burrillville officials, according to numerous published reports, do not want the Clean River Energy Center to proceed, but Johnston has agreed to supply necessary water. So far, Providence is looking for a way to prevent Johnston from re-selling water from the Scituate Reservoir. Meanwhile, an official decision has yet been made about the plant.

So, what does it mean for Newport? On Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m., the Burrillville Land Trust will deliver a presentation at the Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St.

"If built, the Invenergy project (also known as the Clear River Energy Center) will destroy 200 acres of land near Echo Lake, Wallum Lake, Buck Hill Management area, George Washington Park and land owned by the Burrillville Land Trust. Much of these lands are protected properties purchased by voter approved Open Space bond referendums," says the press release.

"The power plant will not reduce your electric bill, but will impact your health, safety and make it impossible for Rhode Island municipalities to meet their greenhouse gas reductions as required by the Resilient Rhode Island Act. And now that the water is coming from the Providence Water Supply Board through Johnston, what are the impacts to the rest of the state and especially Newport?"

So fa, 23 municipalities have indicated opposition to the plant.

Courtesy Photo: Burrillville Land Trust