From:                                                       Drue King <merikdog@hotmail.com>

Sent:                                                         Wednesday, June 5, 2019 1:28 PM

To:                                                            RPS, DOER (ENE)

Subject:                                                   Fw: RPS Class I and RPS Class II Regulations

 

 

 

Stakeholder Comment – RPS Class I & II Rulemaking

June 5, 2019

 

 John Wassam,

At this time we are reviewing how Massachusetts will proceed with regards to solar energy.

One of the largest concerns, at this moment, is the deforestation of our oxygenating trees and the preservation of our easily eroded soil.  Scenic meadows have been destroyed, our western rural beauty is in jeopardy, and abutting homeowners life investments have decreased…. All for the hope for more environmentally friendly power. 

Solar is destroying our environment, and only bringing Massachusetts some of the highest electric rates

in the US.   Solar can never replace carbon derived energy unless battery storage can meet the demand for the even distribution of stored electricity, and that appears to be a long way off.  Batteries also present another probable environmental hazard that needs addressing.   Other forms of energy - coal, oil, gas and nuclear - will always be needed. 

That which is supposed to be environmentally friendly, down the road, may cause the largest environmental disaster as we try to dispose of these solar panels. How these panels will be decommissioned has not been addressed.  Abandonment, a very real possibility, would be a nightmare.  They will not dissolve and disappear.  If they are not disposed of in the proper manner, they will leach toxic chemicals into the soil causing an environmental nightmare, not to mention a huge investment in toxic clean-up which could bankrupt communities and even possibly the state.

One can look to Germany as to our future.  A report from the German Federal Court of Auditors says “the enormous effort made and the considerable burden placed on our citizens and on the economy” stands “in sharp contrast to the poor benefit obtained.”  Five years in, Germany has spent 160 BILLION euros with relatively little in reduced carbon emission and the highest electric rates in Europe.*

A pause to further incentives by the Massachusetts commercial solar program, should be immediately instituted least we find ourselves having to deal with huge unintended, irreparable consequences.  In our pursuit of carbon free energy production, we should not allow financial gains and politics to outrun the science of solar energy.

Drue King, Warren, MA

 

*May 4, 2019 Washington Post “Why America Shouldn’t Follow Merkel’s Lead on Energy”