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‘Black Liquor’ Bill Dies in Committee

April 25th, 2014 by WCBC Radio

A bill that would have phased out certain credits important to the New Page Luke paper mill died in committee last month after legislators voted to give the bill an unfavorable recommendation. The credits are offered for the so-called “black liquor,” a byproduct of the paper-making process that can be burned for energy and essentially create income for the mill. State Senator George Edwards said  he has some hope the federal Environmental Protection Agency may declare the byproduct of the paper-making process a renewable energy source and take the steam out of environmentalists attacking the credits for the product in future years. Environmentalists however were disturbed by the bill’s defeat. Edwards told the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce this week, that while the bill included  some provisions to protect the mill, the negative effects of the bill would have outweighed the benefits. Opponents have already indicated the issue will be brought up again next year, meaning another fight for the local delegation…                                         





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