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The Springfield Zoning Board of Appeals voted to reinstate permits for a biomass power plant proposed by Palmer Renewable Energy, facilitating construction at the former Palmer Paving Company site. This decision aligns with a court order mandating the reinstatement within 30 days, with a deadline of February 10.

The Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, which has opposed the project for 15 years, claims the plant will exacerbate health and environmental issues in a city with high asthma rates. They intend to advocate for state legislation to remove financial incentives for biomass plants while awaiting the outcome of ongoing air permit litigation.