The discussion came up after Todd Tucker, president of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership, gave a report to the board about economic development in the county. Commissioner Jim Harrell Jr. asked for an update on the status of the Fibrowatt plant proposed for Elkin.
Tucker said Fibrowatt is still working with Duke Energy to reach a power purchase agreement. Harrell then said he was concerned about some information floating around about Fibrowatt.
“Information is being given out that’s not accurate,” said Harrell.
He said he talked to an environmental resources official recently who said he would feel comfortable living right next to the plant. Several activist groups are claiming, though, that the plant would harm the environment. Commissioner Craig Hunter said that whenever he gets “activist propaganda” he forwards it on to Fibrowatt leaders so they can respond directly to activists.
Tucker said the EDP has a monthly conference call with Fibrowatt, and next week he will talk to Fibrowatt about addressing some of the information being passed around.
At the end of January, a coalition of around 50 environmental activist groups launched a national campaign to end federal financing for biomass plants. Biomass plants include those built by Fibrowatt, a company that specializes in burning poultry litter to generate electricity.
Included in the coalition are Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League and Citizens Alliance for a Clean Healthy Economy, organizations that have been active in opposing a Fibrowatt plant in Surry County. The groups sent letters to Max Baucus and Charles Grassley, chairs of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. The letters urged the senators not to support tax credits for biomass plants.
Part of the letter read, “Biomass combustion power plants present a serious public health threat, make climate change worse, incinerate forests, and dry up rivers.”
Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.
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