Residents in Central Massachusetts are opposing a 180-megawatt lithium battery storage facility proposed by Moraga Storage LLC. The site, a former auto salvage yard, raises concerns about potential pollutants entering the Ware River Watershed if a fire occurs. Despite successfully blocking a previous project in 2022 through zoning amendments, Rhynland Energy seeks to bypass local regulations using state exemptions. Town officials emphasize their support for clean energy while expressing concerns about environmental safety regarding the proposed project.
"This is not a fair fight, it's a David and Goliath, state versus town. It's a David and Goliath, battery company versus the citizen."
"The residents of Oakham, we're not against clean energy. If anything, the residents of Oakham are more concerned about protecting the environment than anyone."
"If a fire were to break out, pollutants could enter the Ware River Watershed, which feeds the Quabbin Reservoir, a drinking water source for 2.7 million people."
"Rhynland Energy plans to circumvent the bylaw by going directly to the state, as the new clean energy law allows comprehensive exemptions from local zoning bylaws for such projects."
#lithium-battery-storage #environmental-concerns #quabbin-reservoir #local-opposition #energy-regulation
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