Episode 22: Laura Haight, Partnership for Policy Integrity (PFPI)

In today's show, I talk with Laura Haight, U.S. Policy
Director at the Partnership for Policy
Integrity, or PFPI. PFPI uses science, policy analysis
and strategic communications to promote policies that protect
climate, ecosystems, and people.


From the PFPI website: Laura Haight has extensive experience
working on environmental, energy, and health care policy, and has
been instrumental in passage of dozens of state and local laws to
promote clean energy, reduce pesticide use, increase recycling,
prevent pollution, and clean up toxic waste sites. Starting her
career as a community organizer with the Sierra Club Radioactive
Waste Campaign, she has held senior level positions at the Hudson
River Sloop Clearwater, Environmental Advocates of New York, and
the New York Public Interest Research Group. Prior to joining the
staff of PFPI, Haight served as Vice President for Public Policy
at the New York State Association of Health Care Providers. She
brings to PFPI a wealth of experience in environmental advocacy,
policy analysis, campaign coordination and strategic
communications. Haight received a Bachelor’s degree in American
history and literature from Harvard University and a Master of
Science degree in environmental studies from the Bard Graduate
School of Environmental Studies.


Laura is knowledgeable about so many environmental issues around
the world. Today, we discussed the biomass industry, its
destructive practices, and the government regulations that
encourage it.


We discussed:


the biomass industry, and especially the forest biomass
industry, which not only clearcuts forests, but basically vacuums
up all the material leaving a virtual moonscape behind.

We also discussed legislation in Massachusetts called the
Next Generation Climate Roadmap bill. This bill
was vetoed last week by Governor Baker, apparently because it
calls for more stringent green building codes that the
construction industry opposes. But it has already been refiled.

Changes proposed by the Baker Administration
to MA Dept. of Energy Resources regulations would make biomass
"renewable" and consider it “green power” and open it up for
lucrative subsidies that will make biomass plants profitable, and
encourage their construction.

The proposed Palmer biomass burning plant in
Springfield, MA. This plant is being opposed by
residents and organizations alike for environment justice and
pollution threats.



Thanks for listening to Audible Cafe!


This show originally aired on WBCR-lp Great Barrington 97.7FM.
Visit berkshireradio.org to find out about the station or make a
much-needed and much appreciated donation!


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SHOW RESOURCES


Partnership for Policy Integrity (PFPI) website


Overview of H.853: An Act to Assure the Attainment of Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Goals in the Alternative Portfolio Standard (Rep.
D. Provost, D-Somerville)


New CSSN Report: Who’s Delaying Climate Action in Massachusetts?
Twelve Findings


Burned: Is Wood the New Coal? a documentary film


About the Palmer Paving Corporation’s proposed biomass plant in
Springfield, Mass:


Arise for Social Justice website


“Scrutiny persists over biomass plant in Springfield.” Daily
Hampshire Gazette. December 31, 2020.


“Mass. Has Strong Rules About Burning Wood For Electricity. In
2021, It Plans To Roll Them Back.” WBUR report. December 22,
2020.


“MA Pushes to Greenlight Subsidies for Polluting Biomass Power
Plants.” Press release from Biomass Energy Subsidies section of
the Partnership for Policy Integrity (PFPI) website, December 22,
2020


Theme music by BRIAN EDDY