Enviva Drains Forests and Communities and Then Its Bank Accounts
Three months ago, Enviva announced doubts about the company’s future. Now Enviva has declared bankruptcy in Federal Courts. Enviva is the world’s largest wood pellet manufacturer. This company has profited from excessive carbon emissions, destroying forests, and polluting communities. It’s now on the verge of collapse.
Danna Smith, Executive Director of Dogwood Alliance, said:
“For years, Enviva has deceived customers, destroyed forests, and polluted communities. And it’s finally caught up to them. They’ve wasted millions of taxpayer dollars. Our government must not give one more dime to this failing, dirty industry. Instead, we need to focus on recovery and transition. We need a shift to forest protection, not more destruction.”
Enviva built its business and reputation on layers of false green claims. Devastated forests and polluted communities are behind that smokescreen. This company could not have existed without massive subsidies. They’ve received subsidies at the international, federal, state, and local level. That money could have gone to clean energy, green jobs, and forest protection.
The company’s failure is an opportunity. Now governments, communities, and companies can work together to build a regenerative economy. We must hold Enviva accountable. We cannot allow them to cut and run. They must pay for the damage they have done to our communities’ health.
Danna Smith said:
“We know Enviva is looking for a taxpayer bailout. They’ve applied for IRA subsidies. That would be a huge waste of taxpayer money. The Biden Administration should direct public dollars to the communities and workers impacted by the company.”
Dogwood Alliance, partners, community leaders, and elected officials worldwide, have tirelessly raised concerns. We have raised these concerns about the impacts of the biomass industry for over a decade. We have held Enviva accountable for its forest destruction, pollution and environmental injustices. The company’s greenwashing tactics and lack of transparency has finally caught up.
Danna Smith said:
“Dogwood Alliance will continue to support the communities that have been affected by Enviva’s damaging operations. We remain steadfast in our commitment to work together with these communities. Together we will advance economic solutions that work for people and nature.”