Citizen Activism Makes a Difference

While many factors contribute to biomass projects being withdrawn from a particular community, it is often citizen effort that brings awareness to the negative impacts of these projects, making it untenable for the company to proceed. Here are some examples.

Springfield, Massachusetts – May 23, 2011 City Council votes 10-2 to revoke a special permit granted to a biomass incinerator proposed for the city, following grassroots advocacy exposing the negative health, environmental, and fiscal impacts of the “Palmer Renewable Energy” project.  Despite a professional “astro-turf” operation by the industry, including the use of paid protesters who shouted down anti-biomass speakers at public meetings, residents revealed the facts and city officials responded to both the facts and political pressure.

Thurston County, Washington – April 1, 2011 Evergreen State College cancelled its plans following imposition of a biomass moratorium by Thurston County.  The Olympian:http://www.theolympian.com/2011/04/05/1604568/biomass-project-torpedoed.html

Lithonia, Georgia – March 24, 2011 Citizens say no to “Green Energy Partners” biomass gasification incinerator.

http://www.crossroadsnews.com/view/full_story/12490604/article-Gasification-Plant-on-Hold?instance=lead_story

Shelton, Washington – March 14, 2011 Duke Energy/Areva Adage withdraws plans for a 50 megawatt wood burning electricity project. http://masoncountydailynews.com/index.phpoption=com_content&view=article&id=2478:adage-pulling-out-of-mason-county&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=106

Massachusetts, 2009 and 2010 Citizen opposition leads to moratorium on qualifying biomass electricity as “renewable energy” under the state Renewable Portfolio Standard.  MA DOER Dec 2009 Letter.pdf

State recognizes biomass combustion undermines efforts to curb global warming and revises RPS regulations.

Read more in Biomass Busters Newsletter at www.stopspewingcarbon.org