I want to make it clear that I am not against
biomass burning.
However
I am against rolling back standards for biomass plants, and am also against
making it easier for biomass and garbage burning plants to be eligible for
renewable energy credits or other subsidies. The changes DOER is proposing are
highly problematic from climate and air quality perspectives. Also, with
Springfield the "Asthma Capital" of the US, placing a biomass burning
plant in Springfield, over the objection of many local residents and local
groups, is a huge environmental justice concern. If a facility like the one
planned wouldn't get sited in Amherst, it doesn't belong in Springfield
either.
I
was at the hearing in Springfield to support friends in Springfield. I know
there would have been more community members there speaking out against the
proposed changes & facility if the location and date hadn't been changed. I
heard a lot of the voices that were in favor of the changes talking about 'what
to do with excess wood chips'. There are many more climate-friendly ways to
deal with wood chips if we just put our minds to it -- such as industrial
composting. Massachusetts aims to be a leader in climate change. We don't have
time to mess around with false solutions that are in conflict with broader
climate goals.
I
ask that DOER withdraw it's changes to the biomass rules. Thank you.