Federal scientists have concluded that a plan to expand Port Everglades in Florida would not jeopardize endangered species or their habitat because it would replace and enhance thousands of corals and mangroves disrupted by dredging. For 17 years, city officials have been trying to expand, and finally, with this federal opinion, they should be able to proceed with expansion. … [Read more...]
Is Biomass Here to Stay?
South Carolina's forest resources are more plentiful than ever, one of the reasons why the biomass industry is poised to take off in our neighboring state. Indeed, just last year, state-owned public energy utility Santee Cooper opened South Carolina's first two biomass energy generating facilities, and at least two more plants are set to open across the state in coming … [Read more...]
Benefits of Wood-Based Biomass Energy Production
A lot of people are initially against using wood for energy when they first hear about the idea. To a certain extent it makes sense; they are worried about the state of the forests and the efficiency of wood to provide energy. Despite their reservations, there are in fact a number of advantages in using "woody-biomass" or "pellet fuel" . The US forest service, whose … [Read more...]
Taking Advantage of the Man While He’s Down
The colored communities in the Southeastern United States have been repeatedly been discriminated against, whether it is social, political, or environmental racism, they've experienced it all. As the biomass facilities and plantations move into the rural south, these people of color are once again facing another form of extreme environmental racism. A report by the Biomass … [Read more...]
Forest Management and Eco-Racism
After having The Lorax read to us, it is easy to conclude that cutting down trees is morally wrong. However, continues to be the largest cash crop in South Carolina as well as a potentially “green” source of energy. Economic benefits of timber harvest include profit to both the owner and the dealer of the wood, wages to those in the industry, income to other dependent … [Read more...]