Group tries to curb biomass’ green stance

Biomass power plants, in the state’s eyes, is as renewable as solar or wind. That’s because officials say the heat-trapping gases emitted from the burning of wood can be quickly reabsorbed by planting new trees.

But a group of people in western Massachusetts – where several biomass plants are proposed – claim it as dirty as coal. They say the heat-trapping gases it emits, along with toxic emissions such as arsenic and particulate matter that cause asthma should not allow them to get lucrative renewable energy credits for clean energy.

Now, the group has announced a statewide campaign to place a question on the 2010 ballot to limit carbon dioxide emissions – the main ingredient in global warming – to 250 pounds per megawatt hour. That would essentially prevent biomass plants from being built.