August 22, 2013
Letters, Rhode Island

Wind resistance still active

August 22, 2013 | www.independentri.com

Such boldness, such courage on the part of Narragansett Town Council President Pro-Tem Susan Cicilline-Buonanno. I’m referring to the motion to reject the granting of all easements to Deepwater Wind. The standing ovation didn’t surprise me, but the unanimous vote did! The motion she sponsored was obviously crucial to Deepwater Wind’s realization that our cause was being taken seriously by the Narragansett Town Council. So, a public thank you for your action, Ms. Cicilline-Buonanno.

I thank Matt Mannix for his initial skepticism and subsequent research into the questionable means by which Deepwater Wind was able to obtain financing and the state’s political backing. In the end, it was Deepwater Wind’s own deception and inconsistencies that paved the way to its downfall. My advice to Deepwater Wind: don’t be secretive any more.

I also thank the South County Independent for its in-depth coverage of the Deepwater Wind issues and publication of letters from deeply concerned citizens of Narragansett and around the state.

All of you actually did Narragansett a tremendous favor. This whole issue really brought the town residents together, unified and emboldened. When I began this effort in January, I had no idea where it would lead. I sensed we were onto something May 31, when Mr. Jeff Grybowski back-stepped for the first time, granting the underground alignment of the transmission cable. Realizing that a further victory might just be possible, we decided to form Deepwater Resistance to provide a public forum to help us gain wider dissemination of the scheme’s detrimental impact on Narragansett. We will continue our vigilance of Deepwater Wind’s alternative proposals.

To the Town Council, don’t worry at all about the loss of $2.25 million. Taxpayers will happily do without that. It was important to vote on the motion even though Mr. Grybowski actually pulled his easement request beforehand – another act of deception?

All of us activists, who actually are merely concerned residents, are very grateful to all of you.

Robert Shields

Narragansett

The author is the chair of deepwaterresistance.org


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/08/22/wind-resistance-still-active/