RALLY AGAINST MCNEIL EXPANSION PROJECT
M
Please join us this Saturday as we rally against the proposed McNeil "District" Heat project.
Burlington Electric, Vermont Gas, the University of Vermont Medical Center and Ever-Green Energy are in the final stages of planning for the McNeil steam pipe project, aka "District" Heat. The project would collect steam from the McNeil plant and send it uphill by pipe to the University of Vermont Medical Center for use in heating Medical Center buildings. The City Council is expected to decide whether the project may proceed sometime this summer or fall.
The McNeil Generating Station burns wood, including whole trees, to generate electricity. McNeil began operating in 1984, and is operated by Burlington Electric. It is a 50 MW plant, which generates the equivalent of 30% of Burlington's electricity use. McNeil is the largest stationary source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont. It emits far more carbon dioxide per unit of energy produced than any fossil fuel. McNeil reportedly consumes 400,000 tons of woodchips per year.
The steam pipe project is a thinly veiled effort by backers of the plant to ensure that the plant- the largest stationary source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont- will operate for many years, which would prolong its climate-related and other harmful impacts. The climate emergency requires that McNeil be shutdown now.
In addition to its massive carbon dioxide emissions, McNeil emits particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and other pollutants which are harmful to human health; and its consumption of trees impairs forest biodiversity.
The steam pipe project is a poor investment now that advances in scientific understanding have laid bare the polluting, destructive nature of biomass power plants. Biomass plants elsewhere are closing, and it is unlikely that McNeil will be able to continue to sell the renewable energy certificates on which its financial viability depends. Public dollars should be used for conservation and clean energy programs .
Join us this Saturday, July 22, at 10 am, on Intervale Road, in front of Gardener's Supply Company.
For more information email stopvtbiomass@gmail.com
May 18, 2024, 7:30 PM
Vegetable Plant SaleMay 19, 2024, 11 AM to 1 PM
Reconnecting Bank & Cherry Public MeetingMay 23, 2024, 6:30 to 8 PM