Massachusetts should say ‘no’ to biomass incineration in future energy policy (Guest viewpoint)
Updated Jan 21, 2021;
Posted Jan 21, 2021 Springfield - City councilor Jesse Lederman speaks at a demonstration in September to oppose plans for a biomass energy plant in East Springfield. (Hoang Leon Nguyen / The Republican)
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By Jesse Lederman | Guest viewpoint
Gov. Charlie Baker’s Department of Energy Resources is proposing to weaken state laws to make biomass incinerating power plants eligible for millions of dollars a year in state-guaranteed renewable energy credit incentives funded by us, the rate-payers.
Burning biomass is not renewable. According to the 2012 state-sponsored Manomet Study, wood-burning biomass power plants emit even more pollution than fossil fuel plants. That is why since 2012 the rules known as the Renewable Portfolio Standard have not allowed them to be eligible for the financial benefits brought on by awarding renewable energy cre
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