Traverse City Record-Eagle

Grand Traverse County

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    BIOMASS FORUM
February 27, 2010

Light and Power meet draws crowd of 100

By SHERI McWHIRTER

Traverse City -- A crowd of 100 met at the Hagerty Center Saturday to discuss Traverse City Light & Power's goal to reach 30 percent renewable energy sources by 2020, and to offer thoughts on how to get there.

Many voiced concerns about a proposed wood-burning biomass power plant intended for an industrial park in Traverse City.

Traverse City resident Suzannah Tobin wants to see a detailed study that shows how much wood will be needed to feed a plant and where it would come from. Biomass critics contend there isn't enough scrap wood to fuel existing and planned biomass plants in Michigan. Others want the utility to explore alternatives.

"I'd like to see us maximize energy efficiencies and both wind and solar power, the real green, clean power," said Kate Madigan, of Traverse City.

Several spoke about the importance of reducing L&P;'s use of coal. Ninety-five percent of its energy comes from coal.

"I like that we are trying to take care of power generation here, rather than being tied to the power lines," said Todd Brown, of Traverse City.

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