From:                                         Nancy Polan <nancypolan@gmail.com>

Sent:                                           Friday, June 28, 2019 4:31 PM

To:                                               RPS, DOER (ENE)

Subject:                                     Re: RPS Class 1 and RPS Class 11 Rulemaking - 225 CMR 14.00 and 225 CMR 15.00

 

Dear Mr. Wassam:

 

I am writing as a representative of the Northampton/Springfield League of Women Voters, regarding the proposed changes to the MA Renewable Portfolio Standard Class 1 and Class 11 Regulations.  We are strongly opposed to the construction of any new biomass plants in Massachusetts.  

 

Climate scientists say that in order to avoid catastrophic warming, we must cut carbon emissions in half in the next ten years.  Every energy policy decision made in MA must be aimed at achieving long-term carbon emission reductions.  It is unconscionable, then, to consider reclassifying biomass burning as “renewable energy,” or to weaken emissions standards so much that wood burning plants would release far more carbon dioxide and pollutants than do coal-fired plants. Burning anything, including garbage, speeds our trajectory toward climate chaos.

 

A plan to locate a biomass plant in Springfield is outrageous.  Most areas in Springfield are classified as Environmental Justice populations, as defined by the MASSDEP.  The proposed Palmer plant would increase fine particulates in Springfield, "the most challenging place in the country for a person with asthma to live in," according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.

 

Requiring taxpayers to subsidize construction of new biomass plants is wrong.  In order to reach our goal of cutting carbon emissions in half in the next ten years, we must transform our electricity production. Our subsidies should go to generating all electricity from zero carbon sources (solar and wind), and to building an electric grid capable of storing and distributing power as needed. Our forests must be protected and expanded. Recent scientific research, reported by the World Economic Forum, confirms that forests are absolutely essential in mitigating climate change, thanks to their carbon sequestering and storage capabilities. 

 

All decisions made by the DOER must be based on climate science and environmental justice.

 

Nancy Polan

nancypolan@gmail.com

Legislative Director

Northampton Area League of Women Voters