To: John Wassan at DOER

 

Dear Mr. Wassan and DOER,

 

I am writing you as a resident of Leverett, MA who opposes the proposed legislation to give state subsidies for biomass plants and siting biomass plant in Springfield.

 

I oppose this because:

 

#1 Air Pollution - Bomass burners pollute as much as coal! And coal is the dirtiest polluter of all the fossil fuels. These air pollutants actually cause asthma, and worsen asthma and other respiratory problems.

 

#2 Climate Crisis - Burning  whole trees for energy increases carbon emission compared to fossil fuels!!  And it does this for decades!

It is Not carbon neutral.

 

#3 Environmental Justice - Springfield is the worst place int the state to site a biomass burner.  It is already designated the worst city in the U.S. for a person with asthma by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America!  Springfield residents have a poverty rate three times over the national average and the majority of Springfield residents are people of color.

 

I hope you will check in with your conscience as you consider these reasons for  opposition to the proposed legislation to subsidize biomass plants.

 

Thank you,

Barbara D'Arthenay