From:                                         Gerald Paul <gerryp@bu.edu>

Sent:                                           Tuesday, July 2, 2019 6:23 PM

To:                                               RPS, DOER (ENE)

Subject:                                     Proposed changes to the RPS Class I and RPS Class II regulations

 

John Wassam

RPS/APS Program Manager

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

 

Dear Mr. Wassam,

 

We write in support of  H.853 "An Act to assure the attainment of greenhouse gas emissions goals in the alternative portfolio standard" and opposition to any changes by DOER which would increase wood burning. 

 

Our forests in Massachusetts are a vital natural resource.  Forests protect against soil erosion, sequester CO2, help keep our water clean, and provide places of retreat.

 

Any proposal to increase the cutting and burning of our forests is ill conceived and dangerous.  Air quality will be degraded to a greater extent than if coal were burned.  The health of all of us will be put at risk.  The dangers far outweigh any increased benefits derived from jobs associated with this burning and cutting. Lets create jobs with solar, wind and other renewables

 

Recent steps undertaken by the State to minimize climate change and increase resiliency are a step forward.  We encourage you to continue that momentum with passage of H.853 and not taking a step backward with changes in regulation which would increase wood burning.

 

Sincerely,

(for the Lexington, Massachusetts Tree Committee)

Gerald Paul, Chair