Biofuel plant clears early hurdle

GREENFIELD, Mass. (AP) - A proposed $250 million wood-burning power plant proposed for Greenfield has cleared its first environmental hurdle.

The state's environmental affairs secretary has ruled that a broader review under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act is not required.

Secretary Ian Bowles found that the environmental notification form submitted by the developers sufficiently defined their proposal and how they plan to "avoid, minimize and mitigate environmental impacts."

Pioneer Renewable Energy LLC of Cambridge is proposing building the 47-megawatt plant on land adjacent to the Greenfield Industrial Park.

The project is still subject to other town and state reviews and permitting processes.