When I first read this story in the Courant, I thought, “great, some NIMBYs are trying to block semi-renewable energy.”
Then I noticed that it’s going in essentially in my back yard….and I feel a little more sympathetic to the NIMBY’s.
From the Courant:
When CT Biodiesel came to Suffield with plans to build a $65 million plant last summer, the response was just as swift.
Residents erupted at the idea of being home to the largest biodiesel plant in the Northeast. They posted signs of protest on their front lawns and flooded town meetings, chanting, “Get out of our town.”
Instead of reaping financial benefits, CT Biodiesel officials have had to dangle 35,000 gallons of free biodiesel a year and more than $400,000 a year in projected property taxes as incentives to the town. Residents are expected to pack a hearing on the proposed plant Wednesday.
The plant would be built on 18 acres zoned for light industry not far from Bradley International Airport. Officials expect to convert 50 million gallons a year of soybean oil and possibly fatty acid oils, like animal fat and used grease, into the cleaner-burning, renewable fuel and sell it as heating oil and fuel for diesel engines.
Hmmm…free heating oil in return for being allowed to build…..
If they’d promise to not run trucks down my street, I’d welcome them into the industrial area in my corner of Windsor.