From:                                         Jennifer A <jratlee@gmail.com>

Sent:                                           Tuesday, June 25, 2019 4:17 PM

To:                                               RPS, DOER (ENE)

Subject:                                     Don't weaken biomass rules

 

I want to make it clear that I am not against biomass burning. 

 

However I am against rolling back standards for biomass plants, and am also against making it easier for biomass and garbage burning plants to be eligible for renewable energy credits or other subsidies. The changes DOER is proposing are highly problematic from climate and air quality perspectives. Also, with Springfield the "Asthma Capital" of the US, placing a biomass burning plant in Springfield, over the objection of many local residents and local groups, is a huge environmental justice concern. If a facility like the one planned wouldn't get sited in Amherst, it doesn't belong in Springfield either. 

 

I was at the hearing in Springfield to support friends in Springfield. I know there would have been more community members there speaking out against the proposed changes & facility if the location and date hadn't been changed. I heard a lot of the voices that were in favor of the changes talking about 'what to do with excess wood chips'. There are many more climate-friendly ways to deal with wood chips if we just put our minds to it -- such as industrial composting. Massachusetts aims to be a leader in climate change. We don't have time to mess around with false solutions that are in conflict with broader climate goals. 

 

I ask that DOER withdraw it's changes to the biomass rules. Thank you. 

 

Jennifer Atlee

with Mothers Out Front

Montague, MA