REHOBOTH, Mass. (WPRI) — Rehoboth residents have voted overwhelmingly against a proposed gas compressor station that would be built on the town line.
During the town’s annual election Monday, Question 2 on the ballot asked: “Do you approve of the gas compressor station proposed to be built in Rehoboth by Spectra Energy Algonquin Pipeline Transmission, LLC?”
The final results showed nearly 90 percent of voters siding against the project, with 2,261 “no” votes and just 224 “yes” votes on Question 2.
- Learn More: Project details from Spectra | Rehoboth station opponents
The non-binding question was meant to gauge Rehoboth residents’ opinions on the controversial project, which would be built near the Attleboro border.
The compressor station would be built as part of a larger natural gas pipeline project, called Access Northeast, that would run through New England.
The company proposing the project says it would help alleviate a shortage of natural gas in New England during the winter months. Opponents cite environmental impacts and noise as among their concerns.
Arthur Diestel, a spokesman for Spectra’s Algonquin project, gave no indication the Rehoboth vote would impact the company’s plans. “Algonquin remains committed to addressing the strong need in New England for additional access to natural gas that is so desperately needed,” he said Tuesday.
