Letter: Sierra Club statement regarding Jasper Clean Energy
It has come to our attention that proponents of the Jasper “Clean Energy Project” have been using a report published by the Sierra Club and Worldwatch Institute in their efforts to promote plans to burn biomass to generate electricity. I would like to set the record straight on the Club’s position on biomass for energy.
–The Sierra Club is a nationwide environmental organization with more than 7,000 members in Indiana.
–One sentence from a five-year-old report on federal policy for renewable energy standards should not be used out of context to promote burning biomass for energy in a residential neighborhood.
–The Sierra Club has not endorsed the proposed source of fuel for the Jasper “Clean Energy Project.” Burning fuel for energy is responsible for much of Indiana’s air pollution.
–The Sierra Club does support truly clean sources of energy such as solar and wind power and energy efficiency, and would have serious concerns over any plan to burn fuel at a central power plant located in a residential neighborhood.
–Based on our review of the very “sketchy” information now available, the Sierra Club seriously doubts that the project will ever prove to be either economically viable or environmentally sustainable.
–The Sierra Club will review and comment on applications for the required environmental permits with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) once they are filed.
We support the public’s right to know and participate in decisions affecting their health and energy sources. All options should be fully considered.
Mayor Seitz was responsible for inappropriately citing their “approval” of biomass
Mayor Seitz’s citation of the Sierra Club’s “endorsement” was challenged ON THAT NIGHT IN OCTOBER to the extent it could be challenged–he was holding a piece of paper he did not share, adequately cite or duplicate publicly. In the meantime, we have contacted the Sierra club to have them clarify their position and this letter is their response to the city’s misrepresetation of having an “endorsement” from them. I am curious as to what their statement is worth now that it is counter to what the city says. There is no excuse for this kind of government. Where is the promised article in Free Press talking about the Rick Stradtner emails and other major public issues brought up at the USB? Visit HDC on Facebook for the full story.