Senator Fogarty Press Release 6-15-16

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Fogarty statement regarding power plant bill

STATE HOUSE – Sen. Paul W. Fogarty (D-Dist. 23, Glocester, Burrillville, North Smithfield) issued the following statement today after the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7-2 against his legislation (2016-S 3037A) to expand the Energy Facilities Siting Board and require that any tax agreement negotiated between the Burrillville Town Council and the developers of a proposed power plant in town be subject to voter approval. The committee also voted down the companion House bill (2016-H 8240A) sponsored by Rep. Cale P. Keable (D-Dist. 47, Burrillville, Glocester). “I am very disappointed that the residents of Burrillville will be unable to vote on the tax treaty being secretly negotiated by the Burrillville Town Council. This treaty, involving a future power plant, has the potential to tremendously alter the environment, economy and quality of life of the town. It’s my firm belief that the voters should have the final say in such a critical issue for the future of the town. “Quite frankly, the last-minute opposition of the Town Council to my bill last week, even as they have refused to take any position on the power plant itself, was the equivalent of getting two torpedoes to the bow. And the governor’s recent announcement, after the council’s opposition to my bill, that she would veto any bill that passed finished off any chance the bill had for passage this year. “It’s a shame that the Burrillville Town Council does not have enough faith and confidence in the local citizenry to make an informed decision on a matter that will impact the future of their community. “The battle to stop this proposed power plant now turns back to the Town Council and the Energy Facilities Siting Board. I hope that each body will finally listen to the people and trust their judgment.” For more information, contact: Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist State House Room 20 Providence, RI 02903 (401) 222-2457