Two proposed wood pellet plants in California will create industrial-scale facilities in Tuolumne and Lassen counties, exporting one million tons a year out of Stockton to overseas energy markets. Though it’s being billed as a wildfire mitigation strategy, community members and advocates are concerned about the use of public funds for forest degradation, which will release carbon and harm critical carbon sinks, perpetuating severe wildfire conditions. Pellet production and transport emit toxic air pollution, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

Rita Vaughan Frost has more than a decade of organizing experience against extractive corporate interests, Vaughan Frost focuses on the intersection of energy and land to ensure that policy serves forests, communities, and the climate. She works for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The Draft Environmental Impact Report is out and we want as many people as possible to comment on it.  The 90-day public review period for the DEIR begins October 22, 2024 and ends January 20, 2025. Golden State Finance Authority, as the lead agency for this process, must receive all written (including email) comments within this time period. Comments may be submitted to the attention of “GSNR DEIR Comment” at the following:

Via US Postal Service:
Golden State Finance Authority
1215 K Street, Suite 1650
Sacramento, CA 95814

Via Email:
ceqacomments@gsfahome.org
Comments provided via email should include “GSNR DEIR Comment” in the subject line.