As forest fires rage across the West, forests in the Southeast are being destroyed for wood pellets and burned in power stations in Europe. This year, forests have become a […]
To be a champion for communities and the climate, a leader must stand up and make tough decisions when it really matters. But Governor Cooper let our communities and our climate down.
In the face of big money and corporations, Governor Cooper was silent when his constituent’s clean air and clean water was at stake. It’s time that Governor Cooper break the silence. Do you stand for forest destruction and pipelines, or do you stand for innovative solutions that will take our state forward?
This op-ed originally appeared in The Charlotte Observer. Authors: Norman L. Christensen, Ph.D. & William H. Schlesinger, Ph.D. *** Today we joined over 100 scientists to send a letter to Governor […]
Two weeks ago Senator Susan Collins from Maine sponsored an amendment to the “Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015”. A US Senate committee approved it for an upcoming vote by the whole chamber. The amendment claims the “carbon neutrality” of biomass (forests being burned for electricity). This amendment is essentially a boondoggle that is a giveaway to an antiquated and destructive industry.
Recent science shows that many forms of biomass — especially from forests — produce higher carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels. In particular, a growing body of peer-reviewed, scientific studies shows that burning wood from whole trees in power plants to produce electricity can increase carbon emissions relative to fossil fuels for many decades — anywhere from 35 to 100 years.
