From:                                                       Carolyn Barthel <carolyncbarthel@gmail.com>

Sent:                                                         Friday, July 26, 2019 4:13 PM

To:                                                            RPS, DOER (ENE)

Subject:                                                   Withdraw the biomass regulations rollback

 

Dear Mr. Wassam,

 

Governor Baker’s proposal would enable highly inefficient and polluting wood-burning power plants in Maine, New Hampshire, and elsewhere that previously weren’t eligible for the MA RPS to receive Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) in Massachusetts. It would also allow the 35 MW PRE biomass power plant proposed in East Springfield to be built and collect $10-12 million a year in renewable energy subsidies – all while spewing out hazardous air pollution into an environmental justice community that already suffers from some of the highest asthma rates in the nation. In addition, Baker’s proposal will significantly increase renewable energy subsidies to polluting garbage incinerators. This is a betrayal of the promise that the 2018 law expanding the RPS would lead to an increased investment of public funds to support clean renewable energy.

 

Withdraw the biomass regulations rollback!

 

Thank you!

 

Carolyn Barthel

50 Asylum Street

Mendon, MA 01756