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