From: Nancy Polan <nancypolan@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2019 4:31 PM
To: RPS, DOER (ENE)
Subject: Re: RPS Class 1 and RPS Class 11 Rulemaking - 225 CMR 14.00
and 225 CMR 15.00
Dear
Mr. Wassam:
I
am writing as a representative of the Northampton/Springfield League of Women
Voters, regarding the proposed changes to the MA Renewable Portfolio Standard
Class 1 and Class 11 Regulations. We are strongly opposed to the
construction of any new biomass plants in Massachusetts.
Climate
scientists say that in order to avoid catastrophic warming, we must cut
carbon emissions in half in the next ten years. Every energy
policy decision made in MA must be aimed at achieving long-term carbon emission
reductions. It is unconscionable, then, to consider
reclassifying biomass burning as “renewable energy,” or to weaken
emissions standards so much that wood burning plants would release far more
carbon dioxide and pollutants than do coal-fired plants. Burning anything,
including garbage, speeds our trajectory toward climate chaos.
A
plan to locate a biomass plant in Springfield is outrageous. Most
areas in Springfield are classified as Environmental Justice populations, as
defined by the MASSDEP. The proposed Palmer plant would increase fine
particulates in Springfield, "the most challenging place in the country
for a person with asthma to live in," according to the Asthma and Allergy
Foundation.
Requiring taxpayers
to subsidize construction of new biomass plants is wrong. In
order to reach our goal of cutting carbon emissions in half in
the next ten years, we must transform our electricity production. Our
subsidies should go to generating all electricity from zero carbon sources
(solar and wind), and to building an electric grid capable of storing and
distributing power as needed. Our forests must be protected and expanded.
Recent scientific research, reported by the World Economic Forum, confirms that
forests are absolutely essential in mitigating climate change, thanks to
their carbon sequestering and storage capabilities.
All
decisions made by the DOER must be based on climate science and environmental
justice.
Nancy
Polan
Legislative
Director
Northampton
Area League of Women Voters