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RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION STRONGLY URGE THE FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY TO INVESTIGATE THE POLLUTING OF MOUNT HOPE BAY BY
PG & E'S BRAYTON POINT POWER PLANT

WHEREAS, Mount Hope Bay is a valuable natural resource for the citizens of Rhode Island and Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS, Populations of marine fish in Mount Hope Bay have declined dramatically since 1986 and remain at historic low levels; and

WHEREAS, The inptake and discharge of cooling water from PG&E's Brayton Point Power Plant in Somerset, Massachusetts has been implicated as a significant source of negative environmental impact to Mount Hope Bay; and

WHEREAS, The Brayton Point Power Plant is operating on an interim permit issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1997 which was intended to be temporary and to be replaced by a new permit in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Environmental impacts from the Brayton Point Power Plant have not been adequately addressed by the interim permit of 1997; and

WHEREAS, We respectfully request that the Environmental Protection Agency use all investigative and legal resources within their power in order to halt the pollution of Mount Hope Bay; and

WHEREAS, The importance of the preservation of pristine Mount Hope Bay is immeasurable. This beautiful and vital body of water contains numerous aquatic species indigenous to the New England area and the State of Rhode Island. Mount Hope Bay is an indelible part of our exceptional state and quality of life that Rhode Islanders enjoy; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations respectfully requests the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation strongly urge the Federal Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the polluting of Mount Hope Bay by PG&E's Brayton Point Power Plant; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation seek the support of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation in urging the Federal Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the polluting of Mount Hope Bay and air quality by PG&E's Brayton Point Power Plant; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the entire Rhode Island Congressional delegation, Massachusetts Congressional Delegation and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.