BIOMASS FORUM FEATURING INTERNATIONAL EXPERT
IMPORTANT: THIS IS THE ONLY INDEPENDENTLY ORGANIZED COMMUNITY BASED
FORUM ON BIOMASS SCHEDULED IN OUR AREA
February 22nd at 6:30pm — Traverse Area District Library
Biomass: a Burning Question
Traverse City—The Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council announces a community forum on proposed biomass power plants featuring internationally known scientist and forest advocate Dr. Rachel Smolker.
The forum is to be held at the Traverse Area District Library on Monday, February 22, from 6:30 to 8:45 P.M. The evening will include an overview of local biomass issues, a presentation by Dr. Smolker, and a question and answer period.
Is Biomass Burning Really Green Energy?
Traverse City Light & Power plans to burn more than a hundred-thousand tons of NW Michigan forests each year to generate electricity.
“We are concerned about the risk to the environment and health of the people in northern Michigan from the operation of biomass burning power plants. People need an opportunity to understand what's at stake,” said M’Lynn Hartwell of the Michigan Jobs and Energy organization.
Traverse City Light and Power has recently discussed building as many as four wood burning power plants in the area. Plans for a biomass burning power plant to be constructed in Mancelona were also recently announced.
“Biomass energy is a big issue with many associated risks,” Ms. Hartwell states. “So far the community has only heard the viewpoint of Traverse City Light and Power. There are other viewpoints and concerns the people of northern Michigan need to hear."
NMEAC feels that it is premature for TCL&P to make a commitment to wood burning energy generating incinerators before the community has had an opportunity to thoroughly consider all the implications for our environment and our local economy—especially for our tourist industry, which is totally dependent on Northern Michigan's clean air, clear water, and beautiful forests.
“This is the first forum where any experts have presented the other side of the story to the community,” said Jeff Gibbs, a local resident who has been speaking out against biomass to energy schemes. “I applaud NMEAC for moving swiftly to make sure all sides are heard.”
This is the first of a series of forums on energy NMEAC is sponsoring.
This forum is provided at no charge, as a public service by NMEAC and friends.
About Dr. Rachel Smolker
Dr. Rachel Smolker is a co-director of Biofuelwatch, and an organizer with Climate SOS. She has researched, written and organized extensively on the impacts of biofuels and bioenergy on land use, forests, biodiversity, food, people and the climate. She also works with various coalitions including the Mobilization for Climate Justice, Climate Justice Now and others opposing market-based solutions to climate change and other "false solutions".
Dr. Smolker is the daughter of the founder of the Environmental Defense Fund and was born in Lansing, Michigan. She holds a Ph.D. in ecology/biology from the University of Michigan and worked previously as a field biologist, gaining firsthand experience with the complex balance between the needs of people and the ecological systems they depend upon. She lives in Vermont and has a list of publications, available on request.
About NMEAC
NMEAC is the original citizen lead environmental organization in northern Michigan. NMEAC celebrates their 30th anniversary this spring. NMEAC along with their “Environmental Legacy Fund” have been at the forefront in winning battles against bad development, and egregious activity against the environment and health of the people who live in NW Michigan.
Media Event
A Press Conference will be held beginning at 5:00pm on the 22nd of February at the Traverse Area District Library.
Studio Appearances
A limited number of personal interviews with Rachel Smolker at your studio will be available. While we will try to accommodate as many interviews as possible, time is limited. Please place your request as early as possible. Please contact M'Lynn Hartwell (below) .
- Sunday afternoon the 21st. of February
- Monday morning the 22nd. of February
For more information contact:
Photos
Click here for photos
References and Research for Professional Journalists
Jobs and Energy: Biomass
