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.