By Jim McGaw

PORTSMOUTH — The Town Council on Monday, Sept. 22, will vote on a proposed resolution to join Newport and Middletown in opposing a moratorium on new gas hook-ups on Aquidneck Island, saying it’s not in the public interest.

The topic drew lively debate during the council’s four-hour-plus meeting on Sept. 8, when it appeared there was enough support on the council to pass the resolution.

The only matter decided that night was to correct a date on the resolution and to amend one part to say the town requests Rhode Island Energy incentivize alternatives to natural gas and accelerate programs to “conserve,” rather than “reduce,” natural gas demand.

The council voted 5-2 to approve the change. Council members Juan Carlos Payero and Mary McDowell both voted in the minority, s

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