By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-966991.mp3
Springfield, MA – Tough new regulations have been proposed in Massachusetts that could discourage the construction of large wood burning power plants. But the impact the rules would have on three such projects proposed in western Massachusetts is unclear WAMC"s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports
Under the rules proposed by the Patrick Administration biomass plants would have to burn at 40 percent overall efficiency to qualify for half a renewable energy credit from the state, and sixty percent efficiency for a full credit.. The credits are potentially worth tens of millions of dollars to biomass developers and are offered to make the projects economically competitive with traditional power sources.
The Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Richard Sullivan said under the proposed rules, none of the large biomass plants proposed in western Massachusetts would qualify for credits..
Sullivan said smaller plants that produce both electricity and heat typically for use at industrial sites would be eligible for financial incentives from the state.
Biomass projects proposed in Springfield, Russell and Greenfield have drawn organized vocal opposition from local residents and environmental activists. Sullivan said a big driver of the new regulations was the study the state commissioned last year by the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences that challenged claims that burning wood is green energy..
Robert Cleaves, the president of the Biomass Power Association said the industry is troubled by the regulations proposed in Massachusetts..
Cleaves said he believes a study being prepared by the US EPA ,but not due out for two years, would uphold biomass as a renewable energy source.
Chris Matera of Massachusetts Forest Watch, says the proposed regulations contain loopholes he believes the biomass industry can exploit to its benefit
Jana Chicoine, the spokesperson for Concerned Citizens of Russell, the organized opposition to the project known as Russell Biomass, commended the Patrick administration for listening to the public outcry over biomass..
A spokesperson for Russell Biomass said the project now includes a plan to build greenhouses to help it qualify for renewable energy credits.
Michael Ann Bewesee, who has helped organize community opposition to a biomass project proposed in Springfield, said its developers have stated they would proceed without renewable energy credits, so opponents will appeal to the Springfield City Council later this month to revoke a special permit for the project..
The proposed state regulations for biomass would take effect this summer after a 60 day review period. State officials say Massachusetts will need to rely heavily on solar and wind in order to meet ambitious goals for green source electricity generating and greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade