“Using words like green, renewable, etc. does not magically make it so.” –Russ Anderson

Following up on his previous correspondence. -jsq

From: Russ Anderson
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:20:24 -0500
Subject: Re: Attn: Clarifications on my comments
To: blofton@industrialauthority.com, info@sterlingplanet.com, bmaddox@sterlingplanet.com

Brad,

I’m not saying the project is good, responsible, that it will actually happen, and def. not that you are in any way right in your opinions of “green” and “renewable”.

Furthermore, I really wish you could get beyond the talking point of “the agencies and groups endorsing similar projects”, because again that is a highly contestable and skewed figure as many local, regional, and national agencies, groups, and networks still voice heavy opposition to this issue and biomass incineration.

Using words like green, renewable, etc. does not magically make it so. I know all about framing language and tactics of those wishing to line their pockets and exploit subsidy and tax loopholes. The simple fact that you are so set in your opinion and mentality is quite alarming..

For example, I am more than willing to embrace control technologies and

energy sources that reduce the effects of pollution and ecological impacts. I also am willing to enthusiastically support proven safe energy and recognize that strong new technologies on fossil/non-renewable sources exist and will help mitigate future damage and maintain job integrity within those sectors.

However there is little that is ethical, “green”, or non-exploitative about this project and within the next few years the tax& loophole blunders will be closed and these projects will prove themselves inefficient and a huge waste of time and financial resources.

I was simply apologizing for my lack of professionalism.

Regards, Russell Anderson

P.S; Still working on getting those clarifying statements from the organizations you claim “enthusiastically endorse” biomass, however its not a priority for me at this moment. I’ve already found some of that was taken out of context. I’d like that full list of groups when you have time.

On Mon, Jan 31, 2011 at 3:52 PM, blofton@industrialauthority.com wrote:

Thanks for you apology Russ. As you know, we are permitted by all the appropriate federal and state environmental agencies, and we are endorsed by every level of government and many national, regional and local environmental groups. We are moving forward enthusiastically at this time with a wonderful green, renewable energy project for South Georgia.

Thanks for your e-mail.

BL

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone

—– Reply message —–
From: “Russ Anderson”
Date: Mon, Jan 31, 2011 3:39 pm
Subject: Attn: Clarifications on my comments
To:

Hello,

My email to yourself and others on January 3rd has received quite the press in these following weeks. I’m writing to apologize for any negativity or hostility that arose from that email. I wrote Mr. Paulk directly with my clarifications (due to accusations/assumptions he made about me) but have felt compelled to share with you as well to be sure to not have unintentionally made enemies out of anyone, especially those of you I know and have a history with.

As I told the L.A.K.E “Admittedly I am a 25 year old, idealistic, ambitious, quick to respond, white male. Like many of my breed I am still learning finesse and diplomacy. My comments are my own and are not affiliated with anyone or any entity but myself”.

LAKE has already posted four posts around the email:

http://lake.typepad.com/on-the-lake-front/2011/01/far_from_over.html

http://lake.typepad.com/on-the-lake-front/2011/01/what-is-fiery-roots.html

http://lake.typepad.com/on-the-lake-front/2011/01/russell-anderson-responds.html

http://lake.typepad.com/on-the-lake-front/2011/01/we-got-off-on-the-wrong-foot-russell-anderson.html

(Mr. Paulk never replied to me, however I have shared my email to him http://lake.typepad.com/on-the-lake-front/2011/01/we-got-off-on-the-wrong-foot-russell-anderson.html

Additionally, I am writing to notify you on Thursday, January 27, the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League issued a groundbreaking (national) report on biomass energy sources. The report, entitled *Smoke and Mirrors*, is a comprehensive analysis of energy production facilities that manufacture fuel or electricity from organic materials known as biomass. On page 57-58 you also can find a discussion of our proposed Wiregrass Power biomass plant.

http://www.bredl.org/pdf3/BIOMASS_REPORT-SMOKE_and_MIRRORS.pdf

The goal of the report is to change energy policy in the Southeast and in the nation. The report debunks the theory that biomass energy is “carbon neutral” and explains why the natural carbon cycle cannot be relied upon to process biomass carbon dioxide emissions. The report is based on fundamental principles of the planetary greenhouse effect and the impact of human activity on global warming.

Thanks for your time and I hope to work with you (more collaboratively) in the future.

Russell Anderson