At the end of February, Dogwood Alliance and our community partners met in DC. Reverend Leo Woodberry and New Alpha Community Development Corporation hosted the events. Our goal was to address the biomass industry problem. Biomass is the practice of cutting down trees and turning them into wood pellets. After that, they ship the pellets overseas. Then other nations burn the pellets for energy. The wood pellet facilities are clustered in the Southeast. They set up shop in environmental justice communities. There they create air and noise pollution. Community health and safety suffer as a result.
Our collective goals in DC were to:
From left to right: Commissioner Dakkia Bradshaw, Portia Shepherd, Robyn Gulley (Rep. Sewell’s Legislative Aide), Alana Robinson (Rep. Sewell’s intern), and Michél Legendre
Our community partners, Commissioner Dakkia Bradshaw and Portia Shepherd, joined us in DC. They brought their expertise as community members who the biomass industry harms. Commissioner Bradshaw is the county commissioner from Lumber City, Georgia. Portia Shepherd leads the Black Belt Women Rising organization based in Alabama. Together we learned two things.
Commissioner Bradshaw met with her senators, Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. Staffers heard loud and clear the harms in her community. Commissioner Bradshaw laid bare the pollution and the lack of regulations. Her stories painted a picture of dirty water, foul smelling air, and illness. This is the reality of living next door to a biomass plant. She petitioned the office to visit her neighborhood. A visit would show the senators the industry’s dire effects on her community. Finally, she asked for support with air monitors. These would allow the community to track the overwhelming pollution.
Portia Shepherd’s meeting focused on holding her Representative, Teri Sewell, accountable. Rep. Sewell has backed the expansion of the biomass industry. She created federal subsidy programs for the industry and Carbon Capture and Storage. These programs support jobs, but include dirty biomass and bioenergy. And the community struggles to get regulation, oversight, or accountability. Worse, these projects do NOT benefit the people who the industry harms. Portia requested community visits when residents weren’t at work. Then the meetings would be accessible to working people. Portia also urged Rep. Sewell to make her community a priority.
We continue to engage our champions in Congress on the biomass issue. But, the lack of vocal support in the Southern delegation is concerning. The biomass industry harms their constituencies. Yet the community concerns go unheard. Right now, the federal government is trying to intimidate us into submission. Some environmental organizations are already self-censoring. And, generally congressional leadership seems to be defeatist. It’s going to take the fire of organizers working against biomass to shake things up. We must be loud and clear about the harm communities face. We must also offer solutions as we name the problems. And, we’ve got to hold elected officials accountable!
We’re living in difficult times. But we can’t become defeated. We must do what’s needed. We must expand our thinking of what’s possible. Sadly, local organizers and communities who’ve been longtime fighters must continue to fight. This is the only way to bring the wins people need.
For decades, environmental justice organizations have made community struggles visible. Communities had just begun to get the resources they need to stop the injustices. But now hard-fought regulation, oversight, resourcing, and attention is being dismantled. But we can’t let up. When the present seems tough, focus on the work that got us here. Return to local advocacy, local stories, and local work. We’ve got to make forests and communities matter at the global level. Pair that with a vision of a beautiful world we want to achieve. That’s how we stoke the fire to keep up the fight.
Dogwood Alliance has united with Southern communities to achieve the extraordinary. We’ve developed a new community conservation model. We’re conserving land with environmental justice communities. The communities that face the worst effects of climate change. We want to build an economy that’s renewable. One that doesn’t take from nature, but works with nature.
We’ve already conserved 309 acres of forests and wetlands in South Carolina. The PBS show Laura Flanders & Friends featured this milestone.
The South is on the frontlines of industrial logging. Logging in the South is four times higher than in South American rainforests. The rural South suffers as a result. And many Southerners are deeply concerned. But the South’s economy relies on logging forests. Logging doesn’t bring wealth to rural communities. This is especially true of communities where the logging is concentrated. They struggle with lack of resources and unemployment. It’s industry executives who live outside the communities that prosper. Both property values and livability decline. In some places with wood pellet plants, tax rates have increased. But there’s no changes in income level or housing value.
It’s not just resources at stake. Environmental justice communities face pollution that’s dangerous to their health. They also have little access to nature, so they can’t enjoy the benefits of green spaces. Logging worsens climate change. And environmental justice communities face the worst effects. This includes worsening hurricanes, droughts, flooding, and wildfires. The financial cost of recovering from disasters is too high. More importantly, the cost to lives is too high.
Enviva wood pellet facility in Greenwood, SC. Image by Views From Above
Almost all the land in the Southern Coastal Plain is privately owned. There’s a long history of unjust policies. These policies have prevented Black and Indigenous people from owning and keeping land. As a result, their forest ownership has dwindled. Traditional conservation efforts neglect Southern forests. They neglect the Black and Indigenous people who depend on them. Be we don’t have to continue this destructive pattern.
We’ve developed a new way to inspire community land conservation. We call it the community conservation model. Our conservation model supports Black and Indigenous Southern communities. It creates pathways for these communities to own and protect their forests. Together, we can restore forests. That helps us create more green jobs.
Let’s build a system that protects communities against climate change. A system that helps communities recover from climate disaster. Let’s advocate for bold policies that protect our water, food, and safety. Policies that protect our forests and wetlands.
Chief Pete Parr of the Pee Dee Tribe and Adrian Snyder
These actions will create economic growth tied to land conservation. A healthy economy and a healthy environment can and must co-exist.
You can support the community conservation model by taking action or donating.
Donate to support this important work.
Want to see this justice conservation vision become a reality? Take action now
On February 10th, the British government extended billions in subsidies for Drax. Drax is the largest wood pellet biomass electricity burner in the world. Much of the wood that Drax burns in its power station comes from the Southern United States. That funding extension is for four more years. Our forests, communities, and climate will continue to suffer.
The government extended subsidies that were set to end in 2027. Now they won’t end until 2031. The government made this decision because they do not have a Plan B for meeting power needs. Drax will take in almost $500M per year for six years. All to burn our trees and harm our communities’ health and well-being.
Adam Colette, Program Director at Dogwood Alliance, said:
“For a decade the British Government has forced ratepayers to fund forest and community destruction in the Southern US. The new Labour Government has failed us by continuing subsidies for Drax and the wood pellet industry. Now is not the time for false solutions. It is time for bold leadership.”
The UK government also failed to increase sustainability requirements or address emissions. They also failed to consider the climate impact of biomass. Drax can continue to destroy forests without interference. It can also continue to pollute communities and the climate without any consequences.
Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire, UK
There are some positives, though. For the final four years of the contract, Drax must limit power generation to half its current level. Then Drax will need half as many wood pellets. There will be some relief to our forests and communities. The new government has a growing negative outlook on bioenergy.
The UK government isn’t completely sold on Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). This could signal the end of this false green energy scheme.
Adam Colette said:
“The UK government’s announcement is disappointing. But it also marks the beginning of the end of bioenergy in the UK. We exposed the forest destruction and the negative health impacts of bioenergy. It forced the government to act. Without the courage of our communities and the strength of our network, bioenergy would continue unabated.”
The UK government has sided with forest destroyers. Logging, air pollution, and carbon emissions will continue. We will work with communities and partners to end this dirty industry. We want a just transition from extractive industries to a more regenerative economy. Forests and community well-being must be at the top of our priorities.
Enviva Biomass, a leading wood pellet manufacturer, will close its plant in Amory, MS. The story was first reported in the Monroe Journal on February 4th. This foreshadows a new strategy that means trouble for communities and forests.
At the end of 2023, Enviva Biomass declared bankruptcy. The company’s downfall came from several issues. This included poor investments, a smaller market, and less government support. This was mostly due to growing public opposition. Our investigations exposed Enviva’s unsustainable logging practices. Lawsuits forced the company to upgrade its almost non-existent pollution controls. Investors realized that the biomass industry isn’t clean or green. This realization drove them away.
In Mississippi, Enviva received millions in subsidies. They have also said they are unlikely to build a permitted facility in Bond, MS. The Mississippi Development Authority gave the company $4 million. This money is for a water tank, well, and other infrastructure in Lucedale. George County provided $13 million in tax breaks. The Gulf Coast Restoration Fund added almost $2.5 million for road and rail improvements.
The company recently re-emerged from bankruptcy as a completely different entity. It is no longer on the stock market. Now, private investors own it. Now there is no accountability to the public. What happened in Amory can happen in any community where Enviva operates. This is true in Mississippi and across the South. The company can cut and run.
To recover their investments, Enviva may have to:
These cost-cutting choices could help their profits, but they would harm our communities. Counties will be left holding the bag. All that money was wasted on tax subsidies. The money should be used to clean up the mess bad actors like Enviva leave behind them.
State regulators must boost monitoring and focus on the well-being of communities. Take Gloster, Mississippi for example. The state permitting board will likely approve a Drax expansion. Drax will then log and pollute even more. The company is a major Enviva competitor and also their customer. Drax has a dismal record of violating state environmental regulations. They have broken those rules more than 11,000 times. Community health has suffered as a result.
We must stay alert to protect our communities, climate, and forests. We need to stop destroying forests and promoting false solutions like biomass. Instead, we must protect and restore our forests. This will help us build a regenerative economy. One that works for people, communities, and nature.
Stargate is a new $500 billion investment in AI in the United States. It’s a collaboration between the US government and companies like Meta and Open AI. The project seeks to expand AI centers in the US. It has $100 billion in funding to start. The rest of the funding will come over the next four years. Stargate expects to create 100,000 jobs. But many of those jobs will go away after the construction of AI data centers is complete. The need for space to build these centers will threaten forests across the Southern US.
The growing demand for data centers has been accelerating due to the use of AI services. Amazon recently bought close to 600 acres of land in Ohio to build a large data center to support its AI products. Building these data centers is already having an impact on Southern communities. Ashburn, Virginia is home to more than 250 data centers within its city limits. North Carolina has 69 data centers. Many are in or near Charlotte and Raleigh.
The construction for Stargate data centers has already begun. Tech company Oracle is now building a data center in Texas to support the initiative. Many more will start construction in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
People living near these data centers complain of noise levels. The machinery runs 24 hours a day. The facilities also place a burden on the power needs of many communities. They’re causing a surge in the cost of electricity in their areas. Georgia Power expects power demand to triple over the next decade. This increased power demand will spike the use of fossil fuels to meet the needs of these centers.
These data centers are competing for space in urban areas. And some are starting to move into more green spaces. Biomass company Drax wants to use its wood pellet operations to support the AI boom. Threatening more forests for building and powering these data centers.
These data centers also use a lot of water. For example, Google’s data centers used 355 million gallons of water in 2021. That amount will grow as more centers get up and running. This will make water scarce in regions that need it.
Stargate may try to speed up the building of data centers, but all hope is not lost. We can continue to fight companies like Drax from cutting trees to power these centers. Opposition from communities can slow their progress.
We recorded these 4 episodes live at our Annual Woods & Wilds Storytelling Event in August of 2024. We want to thank everyone who came out and attended the event. Experience the magic by listening to this latest season of Woods & Wilds: The Podcast.
Safiya Myers kicks us off with a story about her roots.
Born to parents in the Army, Safiya has had many addresses. She understands how to make a place a home. She immerses herself in culture through travel and listening to stories. Safiya believes storytelling is the medicine we need. In her free time, she listens to storytelling podcasts. Safiya’s favorite thing to do is snuggle her super cute daughter.
DeWayne Barton shares his frightening experience as a child in the woods. He takes us on a journey of forgiveness and asks us, “Why hold hate?”
DeWayne is a native of Asheville, NC. He’s a veteran and the author two books of poetry. DeWayne has advanced community and youth development for over 30 years. As a visual and performing artist, his work is grounded in environmental justice and climate resilience. His art has featured at Duke University, Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of African American History & Culture, and the August Wilson Museum. He is co-founder of both Peace Gardens & Market and Green Opportunities. DeWayne is the founder and CEO of Hood Huggers.
Holly Paar’s story paints a picture of the tree loss in Iceland. She speaks to our need to preserve our innocence. To connect with nature.
Holly Paar has lived WNC for 30 years. She is a painter, musician, poet, filmmaker, photographer, and storyteller. She has premiered two films at the Asheville Fringe Festival. Held art shows. Performed live, both solo and with bands. She’s won poetry slams and generally had a good time. Holly thinks of herself as an “adventure artist.” She’s a druid and the Advancement Director for Dogwood Alliance.
Richie Harding’s story begins in his idyllic youth. Then he shows us how his home has changed because of environmental injustices. He speaks to us of fighting back, solidarity, and interconnection.
Richie majored in computer programming at Hardbarger Junior College of Business. He’s the pastor for New Vision Christian Center. He’s also the CEO of Visionware Recordings and the Executive Director of Gaston Youth. Gaston Youth teaches kids to grow vegetables and appreciate the earth. Richie and his community face pollution from hog farms and wood pellets facilities. His mother worked to protect their community’s water 20 years ago. Richie is proud to follow in her footsteps.
Dogwood Alliance’s Woods & Wilds is a magical storytelling event. Every year, we come together to share our love and connection to the forest. In 2024, we had amazing live music and an incredible line-up of storytellers. Including activists, community leaders, and performers.
Get a taste of our Season 5 storytellers giving their live performances.
Check out other seasons and episodes of Woods & Wilds: The Podcast
Like, follow, subscribe, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
In late September of 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated the Southern US. The storm struck Western North Carolina with shocking brutality. The region was not prepared for a hurricane.
In the hurricane aftermath, a group of UNCA students created a story map. They wanted to reflect on the damage and recovery efforts. They asked themselves a series of important questions. What did the storm do to our communities? Which communities were hit hardest and why? What happened to our forests and wildlife? How are we rebuilding now? Can WNC expect more storms like Helene?
These students did incredible work. They didn’t shrink from the heartbreak. But they also uncovered moments to uplift us. How people worked together. How we can protect the places we love. How we can prepare for the future.
Their story map reminds us why environmental justice matters.
Thank you to Matisse Araque, Justin Huffman, and Ioanna Katsigianis of the UNCA Environmental Justice class in Fall 2024. Thank you for sharing your hard work and story with us all.
Land and Climate Reviewpublished an investigation into the UK company, Drax. Drax is a major industrial wood pellet producer. It’s also the largest consumer of wood pellets for biomass electricity in the world.
Biomass creates energy by burning living materials like plants and trees. How is this biomass made? Companies like Drax:
Burning forest biomass is worse for the climate than coal.
Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire, England
The wood pellet facilities are also dangerous to the health of surrounding communities.
The investigation showed US Drax facilities have broken green rules over 11,000 times:
“8,700 of the violations occurred within the last five years – [an] average of five violations of environmental law per day.”
Drax wood pellet facility in Mississippi. Image by People’s Justice Council
This is absurd. How can we continue to let Drax operate? But state and federal decision-makers are sacrificing health and safety for profit. We must confront these violations as a collective. These false climate solutions cannot continue any longer.
Drax plans to expand with 20 other facilities across the United States. We can’t let that happen. That’s why we support communities like Gloster, Mississippi. We work together to stop Drax’s expansion.
Communities come first in the fight against climate change. Justice comes first. Centering environmental justice will benefit the whole environmental movement.
Together, we can build a bright, clean, and sustainable future for every person on the planet.
What comes to mind when you think of beautiful forests? Probably not peat swamps or bogs. Most forests are crucial in exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. In peatlands, it plays an even bigger role. These dense, carbon-rich forests can fight climate change.
The Okefenokee is the largest black water swamp in North America. Black water occurs when the tannins in peat soil darken the water.
Peatlands are a type of wetland. They include both peat swamps and peat bogs. Peatlands have a lot of decaying matter. Peat itself is organic material that’s piled up. It makes compacted layers. In some places, the undecomposed matter can be several meters thick. And the compact soil is full of water. This creates an environment with minimal oxygen where things decompose slowly.
There’s minimal oxygen in peat soil. Because of this and the watery soil in peatlands, decomposition is slow. The slow decay builds up carbon dioxide. That means carbon dioxide collects in the ground. This creates a carbon-rich environment.
Peat forests cover only 3% of the earth’s surface. Yet they contain 30% more carbon dioxide than other forests. You can find peatlands in most countries around the globe.
Wood stork populations have declined because of habitat loss.
Peatlands are also full of animal life. They’re important to threatened mammals and birds. 40% of birds and mammals live and breed in wetlands like peatlands. Over a third of endangered animals and plants live in these habitats. Some of the endangered animals are:
There are several threats to peatlands:
These threats pose a danger to climate change. When you drain the water in these forests, they become flammable. Peatlands on fire releases a lot of carbon dioxide. Drained peat forests are also more likely to flood. This can be disastrous for neighboring communities.
As with so many threatened ecosystems, there’s a domino effect. Peat lands have global implications. If we don’t act fast, they’ll continue to dry out. And they’ll keep releasing too much carbon. Then they won’t be helping to fight climate change. Instead, they’ll be contributing to climate change.
Humans have drained 15% of the world’s peatlands. But there’s hope with the Global Peatlands Initiative. Their goal is to improve the conservation and restoration of peatlands. In fact, rehydrating peat swamps and bogs can:
Scientists are using several ways to rewet peatlands. They’re creating ditches, blocking drainage ways, and installing pipes to flow water. A great example is the Bennett Swamp in Florida. A project has reclaimed the nearby city’s water. It’s diverted this water to the swamp for rehydration.
Want to know an amazing fact? Restoring peat forests prevents the release of 394 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Dogwood Alliance is hard at work to protect Southern wetlands. This includes peatlands like you’ll find in the Okefenokee swamp. You can help right now!
Take action: Urge your state’s legislators to restore protections to wetlandsMake a donation: Give today to save our peatlands and all wetlands
Dogwood Alliance, community leaders, and partners published a report. The report shows the wood pellet industry’s health impacts. The study surveyed families near five biomass plants. It highlighted the harm to their health and quality of life.
The South is the largest wood pellet manufacturer in the world. There are currently 28 pellet plants across the region. A majority of the mills are in environmental justice communities. The study surveyed residents and families around five pellet mills.
Enviva’s Northampton, NC wood pellet facility
Over 67% of residents within a half-mile of pellet mills experience daily dust. Most respondents said air pollution and dust prevent them from doing things outdoors. This was true no matter how far from the plant respondents live.
Dr. Treva Gear, Georgia Campaign Manager for Dogwood Alliance said:
“Every day communities in the South face environmental injustices from the wood pellet industry. Our states need to put people over corporate greed and protect people’s health and quality of life.”
They cause asthma, respiratory diseases, and even cancer. In four of surveyed communities, 86% of households reported a family member diagnosed with a disease. The diseases were all linked to pellet mill pollution.
Dr. Ruby Bell, a community organizer in Faison, NC said:
“Our leaders must hold wood pellet companies like Enviva accountable for polluting our environment. They operate a facility in my community. Regulators must ensure pellet plants use the best pollution controls. Dust and other pollutants harm our communities’ health.”
Packed house at the MDEQ Gloster Public Hearing
Gloster, Mississippi recently held a public hearing. Drax wants to expand their wood pellet mill there. Drax has paid fines many times for illegally polluting. The state slaps the company on the wrist and allows it to keep operating.
Dr. Krystal Martin, founder of Greater Greener Gloster, said:
“Unfortunately, the Gloster Community is now a profit-driven plantation. Public health is not a priority. State and federal leaders must hold Drax and other wood pellet plants accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Dr. Krystal Martin speaking at the MDEQ Gloster Public Hearing
The new study was conducted by:
With additional support from:
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