Gov. Charlie Baker’s approval of a proposed biomass energy plant to be constructed by Palmer Renewable Energy in East Springfield would make the city’s air quality even worse than it already is.
Pollution from the plant would threaten the health of nearby residents. Unfortunately, the Gazette has not reported on this issue for months. Springfield is one of the most vulnerable areas of Massachusetts. According to Massachusetts census information, Springfield is the second poorest municipality in Massachusetts, ranking 350th out of 351.
Roughly two-thirds of the city’s residents identify as people of color, a stark contrast to the surrounding area. Nearly one in five children from Springfield (20%) suffer from asthma, much higher than the 8.4% nationwide child asthma rate. Springfield leads the nation in hospitalizations for asthma, giving it the dishonorable title of the “#1 Asthma Capital” in the country.
The proposed biomass incinerator would increase the likelihood of additional respiratory illnesses. It is the moral obligation of this newspaper to report on Baker’s plan, which would perpetuate environmental racism. In order to mobilize against the construction of the biomass plant, residents and allies need up-to-date information about the issue.
Liana Heath
Haydenville