Biomass

Biomass Controversies

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

EarthTalk®
E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: What is “biomass” and why is it controversial as a potential source of energy?-- Edward White, New Bedford, MA

Biomass is plant matter that is burned as a source of energy. Fallen or cut wood that is burned for heat is one primary form of biomass, but another includes plant or animal matter that is converted into biofuels.

PSNH Files to Adjust Rates

Sam Evans-Brown — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:17:22 +0000

Public Service of New Hampshire has asked for a change in how much it charges consumers for electricity.

PSNH asked the Public Utilities Commission for a ten percent decrease in the price it charges for electricity. But any savings consumers might see would be eaten up by a simultaneous increase in the Stranded Cost Recovery charge.

New Renewable Energy Rules Face an Uphill Battle

Sam Evans-Brown — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:19:36 +0000

The New Hampshire legislature is considering a bill that would expand the state’s renewable portfolio standards. That means more money to subsidize renewable energy.

Supporters say the measure is a real boost to the state’s wood industries, but critics doubt whether the new subsidies are worth the price.

There’s a little something for everyone in the new Renewable Portfolio Standards.

Why Maine - and Berlin - Lost the Aircraft Jobs

Chris Jensen — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:40:49 +0000

Wisconsin lured Kestrel Aircraft away from Maine – and consequently Berlin – with a far stronger, multi-million dollar package, the Portland Press Herald is reporting.

Here’s what the newspaper says each state offered Kestrel.

WISCONSIN:

• $30 million in tax credit allocations immediately through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority

• $30 million in tax credit allocations by the end of 2012 through the Wisconsin development authority

Job Fair For Berlin Biomass Plant But There Is A Catch

Chris Jensen — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:01:00 +0000

The Berlin Daily Sun is reporting there will be a job fair in Berlin next Thursday (Nov. 10th) for the new biomass plant but the construction workers must either be union members or agree to temporarily pay union dues.

“The job fair is being held by the New Hampshire Building Trades Council which will be providing union workers for the construction of the facility,” the newspaper reported.

New Massachusetts Rules Could Hurt New Hampshire Biomass

Sam Evans-Brown — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Massachusetts is expected to announce new rules that will raise the bar on the definition of green energy.

NHPR’s Sam Evans-Brown reports that shift could cost NH electric producers millions of dollars.

Massachusetts is on track to pass new regulations aimed at cutting the amount of greenhouse gasses going into the atmosphere.

The focus is on power from biomass – basically, burning wood to make electricity.