Resolution

WHEREAS

The water use associated with the gas-fired electrical generating plant proposed for Rutland, Vermont would be exceedingly great, and the environmental impacts associated with such use are unknown; and

WHEREAS

There is no guarantee that construction of the proposed plant would result in taking existing dirtier generating facilities off-line; and

WHEREAS

The electricity generated by the proposed plant would not benefit Vermont; and

WHEREAS

New England does not have an energy plan to address the rational and orderly siting of new generating plants in our region; and

WHEREAS

The exact environmental impacts of the proposed gas pipeline between Rutland and Bennington, Vermont are unknown, but significant safety and environmental problems are associated with the construction, maintenance, and operation of such pipelines generally; and

WHEREAS

The proponents of the proposed gas-fired electrical generating plant and gas pipeline have to date failed to make a compelling case that these projects will be in the public interest;

BE IT THERFORE RESOLVED

That the Vermont Chapter of Sierra Club opposes the construction of the proposed generating plant and pipeline.