health

How much of your “clean, renewable” energy comes out of a smokestack?

The biomass power industry produced 1.4% of power in the United States in 2009, but a far greater proportion of air pollution. How is this “clean” energy, again?

Air Pollution, All posts, Subsidies, US Work

Taxpayer-funded biomass pollution – a summary of subsidies

Taxpayers and ratepayers should not have to pay extra for “renewable” energy that accelerates forest cutting, increases greenhouse gas emissions, and pollutes the air.

Air Pollution, All posts, Bioenergy finance, Carbon emissions, Forests, Subsidies, US Work

Biomass Electricity: Clean Energy Subsidies for a Dirty Industry

A new report gives the most comprehensive listing to date of biomass power facilties proposed around the country, and the taxpayer and ratepayer-funded incentives driving explosive growth in the biomass industry.

Air Pollution, All posts, Carbon emissions, Forests, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, States, Subsidies, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin

American Lung Association energy policy opposes biomass combustion for heat and power

The American Lung Association does not support biomass combustion for electricity production…and strongly opposes the combustion of wood and other biomass sources at schools and institutions with vulnerable populations.

Air Pollution, All posts, Science/Analysis

Want to know what toxins you’re breathing? Easy visualization from the National Air Toxics Assessment

Using the Google Earth maps allowed us to see that census tracts surrounding the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant in Springfield MA already have the highest combined respiratory and cancer risk in Western Massachusetts.

Air Pollution, All posts, Massachusetts, States

Air quality “Hazardous”, but MA determined to issue biomass pollution permit

April 12 was a “hazardous” day for air quality in western Massachusetts, yet it’s full speed ahead for the Palmer Renewable Energy plant in Springfield, which will be one of the largest emitters of particle pollution in the region.

Air Pollution, All posts, Massachusetts, States

Biomass doesn’t belong in a “Clean Energy Standard”

It’s been an article of faith with many in Congress that everything from Godzilla (nukes) to unicorns (coal with carbon capture) belongs in a Clean Energy Standard. We’re so grateful to find Republicans that acknowledge that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a worthy goal, we figured we’d play along, and submit our comments on why biomass doesn’t belong in a Clean Energy Standard.

Air Pollution, All posts, Carbon emissions, Forests, US Work

Health Orgs to Congress: leave the Clean Air Act alone!

Health organizations, and the American people, tell Congress to stop legislating science and stop weakening one of the preeminent public health laws in the U.S.

Air Pollution, All posts, Carbon emissions, US Work