For over a decade, the biomass industry has sold a lie. They’ve been lying to Southern communities and decision-makers. This is especially true of the UK company Drax. They’ve violated environmental regulations over 17,000 times. These are mostly air pollution violations.
Drax is Bad for the Economy of the South
Drax has touted economic prosperity and jobs. They’ve greenwashed and spun the truth time and time again. All to make themselves seem like a good and green neighbor. You would think that the US Southeast would be having an economic boom. But the communities where biomass operates are still experiencing economic hardships. Heavy industry is causing property values to decline. And the communities are getting sicker. There are huge associated healthcare costs. If biomass stopped today, it’d still take decades of recovery.
But communities aren’t just accepting these conditions. They’re fighting back. From North Carolina to Mississippi and everywhere in-between. They’ve educated their elected officials and their communities. They’ve fought hard to stop the government handouts propping up biomass.
Communities like Gloster, MS have even had unexpected and seemingly impossible wins. Drax applied for a permit to pollute more at its Amite facility. In 2025, all members of the MS Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) denied that permit. Drax, of course, appealed.
Roots & Reach: Communities Coming Together
Dogwood then organized a Roots & Reach conference. Community partners fighting biomass across the region were in attendance. At the conference, we:
- shared stories and experiences
- collaborated on a unified strategy
- built relationships
There was also care, rest, and healing for the people fighting so hard for their lives and livelihoods.
The camaraderie built in that week suffered a big disappointment, though. MDEQ reversed course and approved Drax’s permit. Did we wallow in defeat? No! The rallying cry to support one another was the most inspiring part of the conference. There was a real show of solidarity, love, and relationship. And we need that strength and unity for the long-haul.
Community Strength and Solidarity
Dr. Krystal Martin and Kathy Egland went to Drax’s Annual General Meeting this year. And Roots & Reach attendees from across the region shared personal messages of support. We compiled a video of a some of those messages.
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A deep level of solidarity is growing. One that builds the chorus speaking truth to power against the big bad biomass company Drax.