From: Carolyn Barthel <carolyncbarthel@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 4:13 PM
To: RPS, DOER (ENE)
Subject: Withdraw the biomass regulations rollback
Dear Mr. Wassam,
Governor Baker’s proposal would enable highly inefficient and
polluting wood-burning power plants in Maine, New Hampshire, and elsewhere that
previously weren’t eligible for the MA RPS to receive Renewable Energy Credits
(RECs) in Massachusetts. It would also allow the 35 MW PRE biomass power plant
proposed in East Springfield to be built and collect $10-12 million a year in
renewable energy subsidies – all while spewing out hazardous air pollution into
an environmental justice community that already suffers from some of the
highest asthma rates in the nation. In addition, Baker’s proposal will
significantly increase renewable energy subsidies to polluting garbage
incinerators. This is a betrayal of the promise that the 2018 law expanding the
RPS would lead to an increased investment of public funds to support clean
renewable energy.
Withdraw the biomass regulations rollback!
Thank you!
Carolyn Barthel
50 Asylum Street
Mendon, MA 01756