Biomass burning to generate renewable energy is a bad idea that has been refuted by various studies multiple times.
In 2010, a detailed analysis of wood-fired power plants by Manomet Center scientists, commissioned by the state of Massachusetts, concluded that net carbon dioxide generation from such plants would exceed that of coal-fired plants, except in the very long term (over 100 years) and then, only under the most favorable land management.
MIT and the UMass Lowell Climate Change Initiative in 2018 confirmed that wood-fired power plants are inefficient, compared to coal or natural gas generators, and have high carbon dioxide emissions per unit of energy generated.
Among the additional problem with burning woody biomass is the high abundance of very small particles released. These particles are readily absorbed in the human bloodstream and deposit in the lungs, causing bronchitis and other diseases of the lungs.
So, we ask for your help in preventing Massachusetts from adopting a policy contradicted by science, a policy which would make the tough task of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in the next decade more difficult.
Please write and ask your representative, “to support H.853, a bill to remove biomass burning and garbage incineration from a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Peter Lillya
Richard Kofler
The writers are members of the Amherst League of Women Voters. Lillya is a professor emeritus at the UMass Chemistry Department. Kofler is a professor emeritus in the UMass Physics Department.