From:                                         Sam Smith <sam@caretakerfarm.org>

Sent:                                           Tuesday, July 23, 2019 11:11 AM

To:                                               RPS, DOER (ENE)

Cc:                                               O'Connor Anne; pittsphile@gmail.com; 350Berkshire Anti-Pipeline; Elizabeth Smith; Daranyi Barclay; Schultz Annie; Smith Sammy; Spann Bridget; Waara Carrie; Clark Ann; Guilderson Hugh; Moomaw William R; Moomaw Margot; Moomaw Bill

Subject:                                     Please do NOT eliminate or reduce core requirements in the 2012 RPS bioenergy rules

 

Dear DOER,

 

We are opposed to the proposed changes to RPS Class1 with particular regard to the changes in the core requirements of the 2012 RPS bioenergy rules.

 

Our opposition to such changes runs very deeply because we are facing a Planetary Emergency. All life on the planet is is now being quantifiably degraded by every addition 

to at the content of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. And culling forests to produce bioenergy would be doubly wrong/negative in that it would not EVEN BEGIN TO BE CARBON NEUTRAL 

for 30 years (i.e. it would reduce carbon sequestration at the same time adding to the planet’s carbon load for decades), To put it bluntly, wood burning bioenergy would accelerate 

the burden, suffering, and extinction events now facing all life as a consequence of the Climate Crisis.

 

Lastly, we are writing not only in behalf of our grandchildren (and great grandchildren to be) but also in recognition that future generations 

are no less our neighbors than those who live next door.

 

I pray that you will reconsider the proposed changes.

 

Respectfully,

 

Samuel & Elizabeth Smith

 

Caretaker Farm

1216 Hancock Rd

Williamstown, MA 01267

413-458-4309