June 20, 2019 (PROVIDENCE, RI) – Rhode Island’s Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) decided today that it would not grant a permit necessary for the construction of Invenergy’s fossil fuel plant in Burrillville. After years of legal challenges from CLF and residents, the plant will not be built.
“This is a huge victory for Rhode Island and for the health of our communities,” said CLF Senior Attorney Jerry Elmer. “In the face of climate emergency, opening a fossil fuel plant that will spew carbon pollution for decades is simply reckless. After years of lies and misinformation, Invenergy’s efforts to pave over a forest to build this dirty plant have been dealt a substantial loss. Today’s decision is proof that communities can stand up to big gas and win.”
Invenergy’s proposed plant would have been built on unspoiled forest land in Burrillville, and it would have burned climate-damaging fracked gas and diesel oil to produce electricity. In September 2018, New England’s electric grid operator terminated its contract with Invenergy, further proving that the region does not need the power that would come from the plant.
CLF has been fighting alongside residents of Burrillville to prevent the construction of Invenergy’s plant for years, including mounting several legal challenges. You can read more about that fight here.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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