From:                                         Sonja Tengblad <sonja.tengblad@gmail.com>

Sent:                                           Friday, June 7, 2019 1:16 PM

To:                                               RPS, DOER (ENE)

Subject:                                     Do not support wood-burning biomass energy

 

Hello Mr. Wassam,

 

I do not support Governor Baker's rule changes to the state's Renewable Energy Standard that would incentivize polluting wood-burning biomass energy. While many world leaders have labeled it as a carbon-neutral form of energy, it's simply not true.

 

There is nothing “clean” about burning wood. So-called“modern” wood heating systems generate smoke that includes a mixture of harmful gases and fineparticulates harmful to human health. Wood heating is far more polluting than fossil fuels and accounts for a quarter of the PM 2.5 (fine particle) pollution emissions in MA.

Using forests for fuel hurts our climate. Wood burning furnaces emit more COemissions than either oil or natural gas furnaces. The best thing we can do for the climate is to minimize combustion and focus on energy efficiency and clean renewable energy.

The Baker Administration has given out millions of dollars to support increasing the use of wood-heating in Massachusetts. This includes granting $2.8 million of ratepayer funds that are intended to support clean energy to private companies, including to build wood-chipping facilities. So far the data suggest that subsidies for APS- qualified wood heating units can range from $1,000-$22,000 per year, and biomass combined heat and power plants can potentially earn $50,000-$70,000 per year. These payments continue indefinitely.

We are at a time in history where we cannot afford to be losing more trees that simultaneously release carbon as we burn them. Trees also take many years to grow and 75 years before they truly start capturing carbon, and we desperately need them to do their job sequestering it. 

 

I voted for Governor Baker but am planning on not renewing my vote for the next election cycle if he continues to support energy efforts that are harmful to the environment. 

 

Sincerely, 

Sonja Tengblad

East Boston

 

--

Soprano  

Music Performance Faculty in Voice | Wellesley College 

Beyond Artists | Founder

www.sonjatengblad.com

 

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