EPA To Alaskans: We Might Fine You For Burning Wood In Wood Stoves

I saw this one coming a few years ago.

The EPA is concerned with particulate matter in the atmosphere of interior Alaska. It fears the health impacts of such matter. However, restricting the use of wood stoves for the poor should have no adverse health effects in -30 degree weather of course.

(From The Federalist)

For most Alaskans, it still is. Replacing wood-burning stoves, especially in the state’s interior, isn’t easily done. Ever since the EPA’s ruling in 2008, local and state efforts to address air pollution caused by wood stoves hasn’t solved the problem. As the editors of the Fairbanks newspaper recently noted, “The borough faces two unpalatable alternatives: More stringent restrictions on home heating devices that could impact residents’ ability to heat their homes affordably, or choosing to stand pat and accept a host of costly economic sanctions and health effects to residents.”

Local residents have been assured that of course the government means well. According to the Times, the EPA official in charge claims that “his agency was definitely not trying to take away anyone’s wood stove, or make life more expensive.” But he also said the EPA’s job is to enforce air quality standards set by the Clean Air Act. The implication is clear: these wood stoves are going to be a problem.

Click here for the article.

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