Wood Pellets and Environmental Justice Communities

The renewable energy boom continues to grow across the world. We must examine the true implications of energy projects like these. Environmental racism is when specific communities, like BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color) neighborhoods, are subjected to more environmental harms than their white neighbors. Communities experiencing environmental racism might be subjected to: Higher […]

The Economy of Bioenergy Production

Woody biomass (bioenergy) is energy derived from trees. Bioenergy made from wood comes with steep environmental costs. Side effects of this industry include: air pollution during production air pollution during combustion water pollution and runoff during forest destruction forest destruction conversion of natural forests to pine plantations conversion of natural forests to developed land less […]

Community Conservation Solutions

When I see wetlands forest, I see a place of beauty, wonder, and adventure. A place that provides clean air and purifies our water systems. A place where we can recreate and receive spiritual renewal. A place that protects us from flooding and natural disasters. But I also see where greedy corporations are destroying these […]

Postcards from Polluted Places

We’re sending Postcards from Polluted Places to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to urge him to oppose the wood pellet industry. Reverend Richie Harding lives just a few miles from the Enviva wood pellet plant in Garysburg, NC. As a Black man, a father, and a youth football coach, Richie thinks a lot about the […]

Why is a Japanese Delegation Visiting Rural Mississippi?

Guest Post By Carmella Wren-Causey Across the world, countries are interested in the growing bioenergy industry’s claims about carbon neutrality. Woody biomass companies like Drax and Enviva claim that burning wood pellets instead of coal won’t contribute to climate change. This claim is not backed up by science, but the myth still persists. Many European […]