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Mass. seeks public's thoughts on wood power plants
July 24, 2010

BOSTON --Massachusetts environmental officials are asking the public for comment on proposed regulations for the state's wood burning power plants.

A recent study found power plants using trees from New England forests would end up releasing more greenhouse gases than coal-fired electric plants over a 40-year period.

As a result of the study, Environmental Secretary Ian Bowles said the state will set stricter greenhouse gas emission standards for so-called biomass plants that hope to obtain renewable energy certificates.

Two hearings are scheduled for this week to let the public weigh in on the study and the proposed changes in emission regulations.

The first hearing will be held Tuesday afternoon at the Statehouse. An evening hearing will be held Wednesday at Holyoke Community College