PGAQ #30 (FP) by Vic Steblin, March 30, 2008

2570 Laurier Crescent, Prince George, BC, 250-564-1123

Our Canadian government has shown its concern over global warming by agreeing to reduce greenhouse gases. An offset system for bio-fuels has been developed that is actually worth a lot of money to participating businesses and communities. Prince George stands to get a lot of money and jobs to burn wood since biomass is considered carbon neutral. So we jump at this opportunity.

The negative aspects are the health problems associated with burning wood. Wood is not as efficient as the fossil fuels and produces as many or more particles. Wood seems attractive since it is considered renewable. Renewable, carbon-neutral, greenhouse-gas-friendly, and employment-generating all sound so positive. Many politicians mention bio-energy as a win-win situation. What city would not jump at the opportunity?

So now we have the proposed Community Energy System as an almost certainty unless the city council really cares for the health of its citizens and the overall air quality of the city.