WISCASSET (AP) – Wiscasset voters have rejected ballot questions necessary for a $1.5 billion coal gasification plant on the site of the former Maine Yankee plant.

Town Clerk Sandra Johnson says the pivotal vote was 868-707 against Question 2, which would have allowed the Twin River Energy Center to exceed the zone’s height limit.

Twin River isn’t throwing in the towel, however.

According to a spokesman, further studies are warranted because Tuesday’s vote was so close.

Supporters say the proposed Twin River Energy Center would use gasification technology to transform coal and wood biomass into up to 700 megawatts of electricity and up to 9,000 barrels per day of diesel fuel.

—

Information from: Portland Press Herald, https://www.pressherald.com