New state regulations strike another blow against proposed biomass project in Springfield
Updated 3:49 PM;
SPRINGFIELD The state has dealt another blow to a proposed biomass project in East Springfield, announcing revised regulations banning such projects from qualifying for renewable energy incentives if they are located in or within five miles of an “environmental justice” community.
Subsidies had been available for biomass projects under the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard prior to the changes announced Friday. The revisions are subject to a 30-day comment period.
Opponents have argued for years that the biomass plant would worsen pollution and harm public health, and urged the state to not provide financial incentives. The site of the biomass project in East Springfield is within a designated environmental justice community.
Baker Administration Would Block Renewable Energy Credits For Springfield Biomass Project
wamc.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wamc.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Springfield Zoning Board set to hear dispute over biomass project following state permit revocation
masslive.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from masslive.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Biomass facility to appeal state revocation of permit April 13, 2021 |
Reminder Publishing photo by G. Michael Dobbs
SPRINGFIELD – Sen. Edward Markey joined with local elected officials on March 7 to celebrate the decision by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to revoke the permitting for Palmer Renewable Energy (PRE) and its planned biomass facility.
The issue is not yet settled. PRE had 10 days in which to file an appeal and Climate Action Now Massachusetts has reported that “PRE is appealing DEP’s decision to revoke the permit and has filed an emergency motion to stay the implementation.”
The Springfield Climate Justice Coalition released a statement anticipating the appeal. The group noted its new agenda: