Prohibiting the burning of construction and demolition waste as fuel
Impact
If enacted, this bill would amend Chapter 111 of the General Laws by adding specific sections that explicitly disallow the burning of construction and demolition waste in energy plants. The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs is tasked with amending regulations within 60 days of the bill's effective date to ensure compliance. This measure would bring immediate changes to the permitting processes for energy-generating facilities, ensuring they do not allow burning of materials that pose a danger to public health.
Summary
House Bill H2409 seeks to prohibit the burning of construction and demolition waste as fuel in energy-generating facilities in Massachusetts. The bill identifies a significant concern regarding the toxic preservatives found in construction materials, such as copper chromium arsenate and creosote, which can pose environmental risks when burned. The impetus behind this legislation is to protect communities from potential harm linked to the release of these harmful substances during the burning process.
Contention
There may be points of contention surrounding H2409, particularly regarding the implications for energy-generating facilities that may rely on alternative sources of biofuel. Some stakeholders in the energy sector could argue against the prohibition, citing economic and operational considerations. Additionally, proponents of the bill stress the importance of public health and environmental safety, signaling that the potential risks of burning these materials far outweigh any economic benefits from their use as fuel.