The Enterprise-Record highlights renewed public concern over potential health risks linked to emissions from a biomass power plant in Northern California. Residents and environmental advocates are raising alarms about possible cancer risks, citing past health patterns and calling for updated testing and stricter oversight. While the facility asserts compliance with current regulations and emphasizes its role in renewable energy and wildfire mitigation, the controversy underscores a broader tension between clean energy initiatives and community health protections.

Oroville, California is planning a biomass plant to enhance local energy independence and reduce wildfire risks by converting dead forest wood into clean energy using gasification technology. The facility will also serve as a lab and educational center, create hundreds of jobs, and potentially lower fire insurance costs. It’s expected to be operational by 2029 and will expand in phases based on community needs. Public input sessions are being held to engage residents in the planning process.

Oroville is exploring the development of a biomass energy plant on South Fifth Avenue to convert organic waste into renewable power. City officials are seeking public input through a community meeting, emphasizing education and transparency. The project aims to reduce energy costs, create jobs, and mitigate wildfire risks by clearing dead vegetation. If approved, the plant could be operational by 2029.

Ecostrat designated Butte County’s Oroville region (BREI’s project site) a “BBB” biomass BDO Zone, opening investment pathways for bioenergy.

Butte County received a “BBB” rating under the BDO Zone system for its biomass potential. The Oroville site, owned by BREI, is central to this designation.

Biomass Renewable Energy Inc. is set to present plans to the Oroville City Council for building a new facility that transforms regional organic waste into renewable energy. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with future plans to expand into microgrid infrastructure serving homes and businesses. The city staff recommends continued collaboration, noting strong potential for positive economic and environmental impact.

BREI (misidentified as “Biomass Renewable Energy”) presented plans for a biomass plant with a future transition to a citywide microgrid in Oroville.

Butte Renewable Energy has proposed a new biomass power plant in Oroville aimed at converting organic waste into renewable energy. Initially, the plant will supply power to industrial users and later expand to homes and businesses via a locally managed microgrid. Benefits include reduced energy costs, job creation, and more reliable infrastructure during PG&E power shutoffs. Officials also highlighted the agricultural and wildfire prevention advantages. However, environmental concerns persist about biomass combustion and its potential impact on air quality and forests.

BREI plans to rebuild and reopen the long-shuttered Pacific Oroville Power plant, creating a 12 MW biomass facility to supply clean energy and jobs to the Oroville area.

BREI pitched a biomass-powered microgrid at a city council meeting. Councilors expressed support, citing economic, environmental, and energy resilience benefits.

Oroville’s City Council has approved a new power plant to be operated by Biomass Renewable Energy. The facility will generate clean energy from biomass materials, aiming to lower energy costs, create jobs, and support housing expansion.

BREI proposed a phased municipal microgrid to supply Oroville with locally generated solar and biomass power, cutting reliance on PG&E.

According to a City Council agenda report, representatives of Biomass Renewable Energy Inc. (BREI) were slated to present their plan at the July 1 council meeting to build a new renewable energy facility in Oroville and eventually develop a local microgrid for homes and businesses.