Massachusetts Plans Restrictions on Energy from Biomass

Date: September 20, 2010

Source: News Room

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) released a draft regulation on biomass energy that would make it more difficult for projects to qualify under the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS), prompting an outcry from industry that says the changes would kill several planned projects. The proposal follows the release this summer of a state-commissioned study, called the Biomass Sustainability and Carbon Policy Study by the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, that says Massachusetts' incentives for biomass would actually increase the state's carbon emissions (3% by 2050) and would be worse than those of fossil fuels. Local biomass developers and a national industry group were quick to criticize the proposed regulations, accusing the state of using bad science to eliminate a viable source of renewable energy. Bob Cleaves, president of the Biomass Power Association said he feared that other states would draw inappropriate conclusions from the study and put their own restrictions on biomass.

Massachusetts' proposal comes amid a national debate over the ability of biomass electricity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The US EPA is currently considering how it will treat emissions created by burning biomass under upcoming greenhouse gas regulations. So far, EPA has not exempted biomass power plants from rules that apply to other industrial sources. These rules are set to take effect in January. However, EPA says it is still examining the science to settle on the best approach for biomass emissions. Industry advocates argue that burning biomass is essentially "carbon neutral" because plants absorb the same amount of CO2 while growing as is released when burned.

PRESS RELEASE

Renewable Portfolio Standard - Biomass Policy Regulatory Process

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has released a draft proposed regulation to establish criteria that woody biomass facilities must meet under the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS). This proposed regulation is a result of careful consideration of the Biomass Sustainability and Carbon Policy Study, subsequent public comments on that study and public comments generally on biomass policy.

DOER will accept public comments on the proposed regulations through Thursday October 21, 2010 at doer.biomass@state.ma.us

A Public Hearing will be held on October 15, 2010. DOER will review comments and will file its final regulation with the Secretary of State by December 31, 2010

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