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”