This is a rebuttal to the DNM Editorial "Particulate matters: Wood stove initiative undermines local control". [1]
As an Editorial, this article should have been given great latitude, however, since it did represent the Daily News Miner’s opinion on a controversial subject there should be equal distribution of opposing viewpoints.
What has been neglected, in part, is the data collected from the 2010 Home Heating Survey that demonstrates “the overall percentage of wintertime wood-burning device use increased to over 17% in the 2010 sample”, whereas the wintertime central oil use decreased. [2]
I would like to know the reasons for this increase; I suspect it was because of the sharp increase in Oil Prices.
So my question is, at a time when we are paying more for fuel oil how can the Borough Assembly assume it is in the best interest of its citizens to essentially levy a tax on them by manipulating the sale of new heating units? (The new regulations proposed will be on all solid fuel heating units - not just the outside ones that are in the city and that people are most upset about)
What about the people that cannot afford an upgrade but want to be compliant with the Draconian rules that they are being burdened with? (There are the Grants/Subsidies that will probably not cover the costs of a new heating unit).
Where will the money come from to pay for these Grants/Subsidies (I have heard figures of $250,000 from the federal Government)?
Does this money cover people wanting to exchange/change-out their existing solid fuel heaters for new and more efficient solid fuel heaters (I understand that the answer to this is NO)?
What happens when this money runs out?
Should we buy into the studies if the Cold Climate Housing Research Center, the Fairbanks Economic Development Corp., and the Interior Wood Burners Association are on board? Absolutely not, since they represent entities that would benefit from individuals having to buy new heating units.
In an article by Amanda Bohman, in the DNM, regarding the report from the Cold Climate Housing Research Center, the Fairbanks Economic Development Corp., and the Interior Wood Burners Association, former Assemblyman Mike Prax was quoted as saying, that “Even if we don’t achieve health benefits, we’re going to achieve economic benefits,”. [3]
If it isn’t about the Health benefits why are they representing it as such?
I still wonder if this group has a vested interest in this potential legislation (of course they do)?
In an article by Amanda Bohman, regarding the possible debate that may take place with the passage of this ballot measure, “The borough shall not ban, prohibit, or fine residents for the use of home heating devices”, furthermore, she reiterated the fact that “the borough in May adopted regulations on what can be burned and in what type of stove. Chimney smoke capacity also will be regulated starting in the fall 2011”. [4]
How will this be enforced?
How much will enforcement cost the citizens of the Borough of Fairbanks?
Where will the money come from to pay for enforcement?
The consequence of voting for this ballot measure is, there may be a showdown between the Draconian Agency (EPA) and the People of Borough. As a punishment for not capitulating our individual rights The Federal Government (EPA and this Administration) may block transportation funding.
If this is not a Tyrannical Agency (The EPA) that uses extortion to get its way, I don’t know what is.
This seems to, at least, substantiate the concern of those that espouse conspiracy theories about the Shadow Government and The New World Order and how the Banking Crisis was created by Certain Powerful Groups and how they will use the Green Agenda to rebuild the country in their name with everyone paying taxes to a Private World Bank.
I haven’t listened to them before but maybe there is something to it?
[1] http://newsminer.com/view/full_story/9381705/article-Particulate-matters--Wood-stove-initiative-undermines-local-control?instance=home_opinion_editorial
[2] http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/airquality/
[3] http://newsminer.com/view/full_story/5208389/article-Wood-burning-coalition-offers-many-fixes-for-Fairbanks-pollution?
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