Public Meeting: Mass Biomass

Massachusetts Biomass Sustainability and Carbon Policy

In November 2009 the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) commissioned a team of experts to conduct a comprehensive study of issues related to biomass sustainability and carbon policy. Launched at the direction of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles, the six-month study will result in a “white paper” that brings the best science to bear as DOER considers the path forward for biomass energy policy, including the preparation of new regulations to establish sustainability criteria biomass facilities must meet under the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard.

Environmental professionals with national and worldwide recognition in forestry and conservation have been selected to conduct this study. The group includes experts from the Manoment Center for Conservation Sciences, Pinchot Institute for Conservation, the Forest Guild, the Biomass Energy Resource Center, and other independent forest ecologists, resource economists and a change management consultant.

This public stakeholder meeting is part of the scope of work designated to occur at the beginning of the project.  The research team will present an overview of the project including the goals, assumptions, questions to be addressed and approach, as well as how the findings will be used. There will also be structured and facilitated conversations to gather public input regarding additional questions for the team’s consideration.

Massachusetts Biomass Sustainability and Carbon Policy

Thursday, December 17, 2009

6:30 – 8:30 P.M.

Holiday Inn

245 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke, MA