Dear Mr. Wassam,

 

I would like to express my objections to the DOER proposal to include wood burning in the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.

 

First of all, wood burning as a means of generating electricity is extremely energy inefficient and, as the costs of other forms of renewable energy come down, are unlikely to be cost effective.

 

Second, burning wood is a source of significant air pollution, which will no doubt lead to adverse health effects such as asthma in the surrounding communities. In addition, the ash left behind after burning has to be disposed of properly, which is another environmental issue.

 

Third, although wood is a renewable energy source, it takes decades for a tree to grow and even if trees are planted to replace those cut, the extra CO2 produced by burning wood will remain in the atmosphere for many years. Since it is essential that we reduce CO2 output immediately if we are to avoid catastrophic climate change, wood burning on this scale is simple unacceptable.

 

Fourth, there has been a dramatic loss of wildlife, including birds and insects over the past 70 years. Harvesting wood will only make this situation worse.

 

Sincerely,

 

Janet C Miller, PhD.

1647 Main St

Concord MA 01742