From:                                                       Obrist, Daniel <Daniel_Obrist@uml.edu>

Sent:                                                         Friday, May 17, 2019 6:50 AM

To:                                                            RPS, DOER (ENE)

Subject:                                                   RE: please oppose increase of wood energy

 

Dear Madam and Sir,

 

I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed changes to RPS Class I and RPS Class II regulations that would weaken restrictions on the use of wood bioenergy. Peer-reviewed scientific research at my University has shown that the climate impacts of wood bioenergy are worse than coal for decades to centuries under most management scenarios. Massachusetts could be in a position to lead on science-based climate policy – instead the proposed changes would increase emissions of climate pollutants while diminishing the capacity of forests to absorb those pollutants. I write as a scientist whose future hangs in the balance of the climate choices we make today. I urge you to demonstrate that Massachusetts embraces science-based policy by taking biomass out of the APS and ensuring that it is not included in the RPS.

 

Please also support H.853, which aims to stop subsidies for wood bioenergy in the APS. It is important that we all embrace renewable energy policies. Unfortunately, the use of wood bioenergy is not one of those considering that it’s use generates more carbon emissions compared to conventional energy sources.

 

Best regards,

Daniel Obrist, Newburyport

Professor and Department Chair, University of Massachusetts, Lowell