From: Frank Farkas <farkas1945@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2019 11:09 AM
To: RPS, DOER (ENE)
Subject: Proposed changes in RPS
I am opposed to the proposed changes to RPS Class I that reduce or eliminate the core requirements of the 2012 RPS bioenergy rules, particularly the increases in the allowed variety of wood, including whole trees; the increase from 20 years to 30 years in the timeframe for showing a net reduction in GHG emissions; the calculations that ignore fossil fuels used in harvesting, processing and transport; the elimination of requirements that liquid fuels show actual reduction in GHG’s; and the removal of Massachusetts-specific forest harvesting criteria. These changes will adversely affect the health of children and older adults. Combustion of wood produces vast amount of GHG's, and eliminates a natural source of CO2 sequestration. Depleting our forests, given the amount of time it will take to replace them, is not a solution. In fact, it is a formula for making pollution and climate change worse. I urge you to withdraw the proposed eligibility changes to RPS Class I and Class II. Thank you.
Frank Farkas
69 Spadina Pkwy.
Pittsfield, MA 01201