I would like to register my…

I would like to register my objections to the expansion of the wood pellet industry, which is clearly the aim of the Forest Biomass Action Plan.

Scientific studies have revealed that the burning of wood pellets actually emits more carbon at the smokestack than coal, so it is not a clean energy alternative. Studies have also shown that it is a false premise to say that forests will be able to absorb these carbon emissions efficiently, in fact one study found that the carbon debt payback time would be 44 to 104 years.

The producing of enough wood pellets to meet global demand will require so much wood that there will not be enough wood waste to use, thus growing trees will be cut down. In fact, this is already happening. Objective 3 of the Forest Biomass Action Plan indicates “streamlining” regulatory systems, so there would be fewer environmental checkpoints.

Throughout this Action Plan, the economy, business and jobs are at the forefront. As usual, the Ontario government is so shortsighted!! This is an environmental issue. The long term view is needed!

We cannot afford to keep chopping down forests to make a fuel that emits immense amounts of carbon dioxide. Moreover, it will take centuries for forests to regain the majority of their carbon storage after being logged.

The Ontario government is not presenting accurate information on the consequences of burning wood pellets. The public is being deceived!!