Power Plant Hearing Procedure

Town of Burrillville

It’s critical that all town entities continue the unbiased review of the proposed power plant to preserve our credibility during the Energy Facility Siting Board’s decision-making phase. Locally, the proposal is currently in the hands of the Planning & Zoning Boards. Both Boards have been asked by the EFSB for advisory opinions. These opinions, which the EFSB partly relies upon to make their decisions, are due in early September.

The two Boards met jointly in May. The Planning Board began the Master Plan Review in June.  The Zoning Board began their independent review in July. Review by both boards will continue during the coming weeks. All their meetings are open to the public. When concluded, the Planning and Zoning Boards will present well thought-out, meaningful opinions.

The Town Council has consistently said that they would not pre-judge this proposal to avoid an appearance of trying to influence the boards or undermine the integrity of the process. For this project, as for all planning and zoning matters, the Burrillville Town Council relies on and trusts the work of our Planning and Zoning Boards.

Based on the consultants’ reports and recommendations by the Planning & Zoning Boards, as well as public input, the Town Council will ultimately define the position of the Town, to be presented during the EFSB hearing, which we believe will begin in October. The hearing phase is when the Town has its greatest impact because, according to EFSB rules, parties such as the Town “shall have the right of presentation of evidence, cross-examination, objection, motion and argument”. 

We believe that by following this course of action everything will come together properly so that the Town Council can put forth an effective and credible case to the EFSB.