Letter to the editor – Tallahassee Democrat – December 16, 2009
Like a cancer patient that is riddled with metastatic disease, plans for biomass plants are spreading all over Florida and Georgia. Momentum against this polluting industry is gaining steam as informed citizens take a critical look. The Massachusetts Medical Society opposes three proposed large-scale power plants. They cite an unacceptable public health risk and heeding their warning, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Regulation responded by suspending all biomass plant applications.
In contrast, Secretary Michael Sole of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has been dismissive of health risks and has signaled that approvals for proposed plants in Port St. Joe, Gretna, Gilchrist County and in Hamilton County may be forthcoming. The DEP granted an air permit for the proposed biomass plant in Tallahassee earlier this year.
A huge public outcry ensued, and the company is now moving to Port St. Joe.
Concerned about the adverse impact to Floridians, Gov. Crist stopped the construction of further coal plants. Crist now needs to look north, and follow the lead of Massachusetts and stop all biomass plant applications. Politicians shouldn’t be bamboozled by the lies of a polluting industry. Floridians have the right to breathe clean air, and sacrificing our health for corporate profit is an outrage.
RONALD SAFF, M.D.
ronsaff@aol.com
gainesvilleflorida