What's New

2010 Photography Contest Viewer’s Choice Voting is now closed. We had more than 200 votes cast. Thank you all for your input. The results will be announced at the Annual Celebration on September 18, 2010 at 2PM and will be published on this website. All entries will be shown in our photo gallery. Thank You to all the talented photographers for contributing to this project.

FOJ Opposition to Biomass

As most of you know the Friends of the Jordan have taken a strong stand against Biomass burning of trees as a way of generating electricity in Michigan. Across northern Michigan we have nine currently operating or proposed biomass plants. These plants represent a true danger to our environment.
  • Biomass produces far more particulate matter into the air than burning coal. 
  • It produces far more carbon into the air than burning coal. It is not carbon neutral. 
  • It is far more expensive to produce than other forms of electricity. These plants are all heavily subsidized by taxes.
  • They are getting the vast majority of taxpayer money earmarked for green energy, hurting research into other forms of clean renewable energy.
  • The target supply zones of all of these plants overlap. There are not enough trees to supply all of these plants. 
  • The Jordan River Valley is inside of all nine of these supply zones.
We now have a limited supply of FREE bumper stickers supporting our cause. If you would like to help by putting one of these stickers on you car just write to me and I will send one out. Send an e-mail with your name and address to: JTeesdale@friendsofthejordan.org Thanks for your support, John

Recently we have seen a rash of proposals to build wood burning biomass electric plants across Michigan. At the heart of this, are huge government subsidies used to build these plants. The Friends of the Jordan is opposed to the burning of our forests to produce electricity.

Wood burning biomass plants are putting our forests under attack, and present a dangerous and unsustainable use of our public lands. Attached is a petition letter to Governor Granholm asking her for a moratorium on the building of wood burning biomass plants, and to use our tax dollars to develop truly green, carbon neutral, sustainable energy sources.

We would truly appreciate it if you could print out the letter, sign it with your name and address, and send it to Governor Granholm. Copies can also be sent to other legislators, as well.  Your support has helped us accomplish great things. Together we can make a difference.

Read information on the Bay Harbor CKD Site and opposition to the Alba Injection Well
RSG Position Letter: FOJ's Recommendations to the Regional Stakeholders Group