From:                                         Rema Loeb <greenwoman332000@yahoo.com>

Sent:                                           Thursday, June 6, 2019 12:25 PM

To:                                               RPS, DOER (ENE)

Subject:                                     Fw: DOER RPS@Mass.gov  Comment on RPS Class1 and RPS Class 2

 

 

 

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Rema Loeb <greenwoman332000@yahoo.com>

To: Rema Loeb <greenwoman332000@yahoo.com>

Sent: Tuesday, June 4, 2019, 3:06:49 PM EDT

Subject: Re: DOER RPS@Mass.gov Comment on RPS Class1 and RPS Class 2

 

Lobrose1

 

On Sunday, June 2, 2019, 7:54:13 PM EDT, Rema Loeb <greenwoman332000@yahoo.com> wrote:

 

 

I attended your meeting in Amherst on May l6 and listened with great interest to the majority comments opposing your revision of the RPS. Those few who agreed with you were either tending to their own narrow business interests or expressing a view totally irrelevant to the reality of Massachusetts forests. (California style forest fires in soaking New England, really?). I am not a climate scientist, although their views are to be taken most seriously at this time of 12 year warnings to act before the climate crisis become irreversible. But you have already heard such people, especially Dr. Bill Moomaw in Boston.

 

Similarly, you have heard from a state senator and state legislator. You have been reminded about the four years of scientific study that went into the RPS, warning against the use of biomass, both in terms of climate and with the understanding of harm to children, especially in the Springfield area, where asthma rates are already among the highest in this nation. Health effects include ongoing lung problems and decreased heart health, all in one of the poorest communities in the state. It seems a clear case of climate injustice and an act of cruelty to do this to already struggling people.

 

I watched your committee's lack of interest as the testimony continued. One member stifled a yawn a few times. It was a hearing - but it seemed you were not listening. Just as the governor does not listen. You do not have to live here and watch your child struggle for breath. You can collect your money and pretend you are doing the right thing. But you are not.The Climate Crisis will determine the lives of all of our children, grandchildren, and greats. What will you tell yours when they ask why you did not protect their future, why you weakened rules that affected children in other communities but eventually led as well to the ongoing harm to the earth. Small souls have no answers in the end. Either we will respect Nature or Nature will prevail.

 

Rema Loeb,122 East Main Street, Plainfield, MA 01070