From:                                         Paula Nowick <paulanowick@gmail.com>

Sent:                                           Friday, July 26, 2019 12:37 PM

To:                                               RPS, DOER (ENE)

Subject:                                     Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Class I and II regulations

 

To Members of the Department of Energy Resources

 

Thank you for your past diligence for your research and recommendations on providing clean, safe air and water for all citizens of Massachusetts. I am one of those citizens, 81 years old, asthmatic, retired adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I reside in the historic district of McKnight which contains the largest stand of Victorian homes in the US.

 

Approximately three miles from this beautifully restored neighborhood a commercial enterprise intends to build a biomass incincerator - an enterprise so hugely unprofitable that they are requesting that taxpayers like me pay extra in order to build and support their filthy incinerator.

 

And what benefits do I get for my tax money? Driving delays from congestion on the turnpike,  I-91 and local roads from the hundreds of semis driving to and from the site. Enormous amounts of diesel fuel exhaust as semis wait in line for their turn to dump their loads. Continuous clouds of dust as one semi after another dump boards from construction waste (including much of which contain lead paint) and trees (some of which may be diseased or carry fungi or insects to be carried aloft). Both visible and invisibly minute  soot (exactly the type that easily invades lung tissue) to dirty our homes, schools, businesses, and streets. Increased risk of misery, hospitalization and death from asthma for me, my 86 year old husband, my children, grandchildren, and soon-to-be great grandchild. The ludicrous promise that if we plant a new tree for all the trees incinerated that in 40 years the spent energy is RENEWED.

 

I know I am writing to members of an agency that is dedicated to serve the best interests of current and future citizens.  Many of you have advanced degrees in environmental engineering and energy conservation and are devoting your lives to ensuring that the health and safety of ordinary citizens take precedence over dangerous, short-sighted commercial projects.  I am putting my faith in your integrity. I urge you to veto the Renewable Engergy Portfolio Standard Class I and II regulations. 

 

Thank you for your service to our state.

 

Paula Nowick, Ed.D.