The biomass industry promised these Southern towns prosperity. So why are they still dying?

and European governments. This has fueled the rapid expansion of the wood pellet industry in the United States, which has become a major supplier to European countries looking to meet their renewable energy targets.

The environmental impact of this industry has raised concerns among residents in towns like Urania and Gloster. The pollution and health risks associated with the pellet mills have led to protests and calls for stricter regulations. Despite fines and penalties from state regulators, residents feel that the mills continue to operate without making significant changes to reduce their impact on the community.

The promise of economic development that came with the opening of the pellet mills has not materialized for many residents. Unemployment rates remain high, and household incomes are well below the state average. The closure of other industries like lumber mills has left towns like Gloster struggling to provide essential services like schools and healthcare.

Critics of the pellet industry argue that it is not a sustainable solution to the world’s energy needs. By logging whole trees and consuming large amounts of resources to produce pellets for export, the industry is contributing to deforestation and environmental degradation. The reliance on government subsidies to stay profitable raises questions about the long-term viability of the industry.

As the demand for wood pellets continues to grow, residents in towns like Urania and Gloster are left grappling with the consequences of living near these large-scale industrial operations. The fight for environmental justice and the health of their communities continues as they push for greater accountability and transparency from the companies operating in their midst. The government has been providing subsidies to the company Drax, as reported by the climate think tank Ember. Drax, a biomass company with mills in Louisiana and Mississippi, has received significant financial benefits from the government. In Louisiana, Drax’s mills have been exempted from paying around $75 million in property taxes through the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program, aimed at attracting jobs and economic activity. Mississippi also offered Drax grants and tax breaks to draw the company to Gloster.

Despite receiving taxpayer largesse, Drax has seen its profits soar. The company’s earnings increased from nearly $1.3 billion in 2023 to about $1.4 billion in 2024. Recently, Drax expanded a mill in Alabama and established a North American headquarters in Monroe, Louisiana, along with opening an office in Houston for its carbon-capture initiatives.

The global pellet boom has put pressure on workers like Tommy Barbo, who constantly monitors production stats to meet demand. The mill in Urania, Louisiana, where Barbo works, has been a top producer for Drax in the U.S., producing enough pellets in the past seven years to fill the New Orleans Superdome twice.

The history of mill towns like Urania and Gloster highlights the reliance on large industrial facilities for community survival. Company towns like Urania, founded by lumber baron Henry Hardtner, provided stability and security for residents. The closure of industries like lumber mills in towns like Gloster has led to economic decline, making large industrial facilities like Drax’s pellet mills a lifeline for these communities.

Drax sees itself as providing a larger tax base and economic growth opportunities for rural towns facing economic challenges. The company’s investment in these communities is seen as a way to revitalize dying industries and offer hope for future growth.

As communities in hard-hit states across the U.S. South like Mississippi and Alabama search for reliable sources of income to lead them back to prosperity, companies like Drax have stepped in to provide a lifeline. Drax estimates that its annual economic impact from taxes and wages exceeds $150 million in Gloster and the surrounding area, and close to $200 million around Urania. The company has become a significant donor to community groups, funding projects such as replacing the floor in a Urania school gym and installing a new air-conditioning system at a Gloster meeting hall. Additionally, Drax has donated funds for Thanksgiving turkeys and helped stock local food banks.

Despite their charitable giving, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of Drax’s operations. State regulators in Louisiana and Mississippi have reported that Drax’s mills have consistently exceeded pollution limits, releasing harmful levels of chemicals like formaldehyde and methanol. These chemicals can have serious health effects, including cancer, brain damage, and lung problems. Many residents, particularly in Gloster, have reported declining health as a result of the pollution from the wood pellet mill.

Krystal Martin, the founder of the Greater Greener Gloster community group, believes that Drax’s charitable giving is a way for the company to build goodwill in communities where it is causing harm. Martin has been vocal about the air and noise pollution from the wood pellet mill and the impact it has had on residents’ health.

In addition to environmental concerns, residents in Urania and Gloster have expressed disappointment with the number of jobs provided by Drax. Each of the company’s three mills in Louisiana and Mississippi employs between 70 and 80 people, far fewer than the hundreds who worked in mills in each town 20 years ago. Many residents feel that the employment opportunities offered by Drax do not meet their expectations, especially considering the decline in jobs from previous mills in the area.

After the closure of the Georgia Pacific mill in Gloster, which provided about 400 well-paying union jobs, many basic services in the town disappeared. Residents now have to travel long distances for medical treatment, as there is no longer a doctor in town. The closure of the mill had a significant impact on the local economy and quality of life in Gloster.

Despite hopes for a new source of income and job opportunities, some residents like Sammy Jackson, who worked at the Georgia Pacific mill, have been disappointed by their experiences with Drax. Jackson was hired through a temporary labor agency to do cleanup work at the mill, but he found the conditions unsafe and the protective gear inadequate. He experienced health issues like dry coughing and itching from exposure to ash and wood dust at the mill.

As communities continue to seek sources of income and job opportunities in hard-hit states like Mississippi and Alabama, the balance between economic benefits and environmental and health impacts will be a key consideration for companies like Drax. Finding sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of residents and the environment will be essential for long-term prosperity in these communities.

Krystal Martin, a community leader in Gloster, Mississippi, has been facing questions from people about what is wrong with her. She holds up a photo of the Amite BioEnergy wood pellet mill, a source of air pollution that is impacting her predominantly Black, low-income town. The pollution from the mill has been causing health issues for the residents of Gloster, including Martin, who has been experiencing respiratory problems. People have been noticing her health struggles and asking her about it, prompting her to speak out about the environmental injustice happening in her community.

A spokesperson for Drax, the company behind the wood pellet mill, stated that they maintain robust safety standards and have extensive training requirements in place to ensure the safety of their employees. However, residents like Martin and Mabel Williams, a lifelong resident of Gloster, are concerned about the impact of the mill on their community. Williams, who has seen the decline of downtown Gloster over the years, remembers a time when the streets were bustling with people and businesses. Now, most of the buildings are vacant or in disrepair, and the once vibrant community has faded away.

Despite the promises of job opportunities and economic growth, residents like Williams are skeptical that Drax will bring about the revival of Gloster. She believes that the company is not investing enough in the local community, despite their substantial profits. Williams remains hopeful that Gloster can experience a resurgence, but she doubts that Drax will be the catalyst for change.

The story of Gloster, Mississippi, is a reminder of the environmental and social challenges faced by many communities across the country. It highlights the importance of holding companies accountable for their impact on local populations and the need for sustainable and equitable development practices. As residents continue to speak out and advocate for their rights, it is essential for companies like Drax to listen and take meaningful action to address the concerns of the communities they operate in. A new study published in the Journal of Science has revealed groundbreaking findings on the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from leading universities and research institutions, sheds light on the alarming rate at which marine life is being impacted by rising global temperatures and ocean acidification.

One of the key findings of the study is the devastating impact of climate change on coral reefs. Coral reefs are known as the “rainforests of the sea” due to their incredible biodiversity and importance to marine ecosystems. However, the study found that coral reefs are experiencing widespread bleaching events, where the corals expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white and ultimately die. This is largely due to the increased ocean temperatures, which disrupt the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae.

Furthermore, the study also highlighted the effects of ocean acidification on shell-forming organisms such as mollusks and crustaceans. As carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere rise, the oceans absorb more of this gas, leading to a decrease in pH levels. This acidification makes it harder for these organisms to build and maintain their shells, putting them at risk of population decline and extinction.

In addition to coral reefs and shell-forming organisms, the study also examined the impact of climate change on marine food webs. Changes in ocean temperature and chemistry can disrupt the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, leading to shifts in the distribution and abundance of species. This can have far-reaching consequences for marine life, including disruptions to fisheries and other important ecosystem services.

The researchers behind the study emphasize the urgent need for action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. They call for immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to limit further warming of the planet and ocean acidification. Additionally, they stress the importance of marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices to help safeguard vulnerable species and ecosystems.

Overall, the findings of this study serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the underlying causes of climate change and protect the health and resilience of our oceans. By taking action now, we can help ensure a sustainable future for marine life and the millions of people who depend on healthy oceans for their livelihoods. title: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with billions of people around the world using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to connect with others, share their thoughts and experiences, and stay informed about current events. While social media has many benefits, such as facilitating communication and providing a platform for self-expression, there is growing concern about its impact on mental health.

One of the main ways in which social media can affect mental health is through the phenomenon of social comparison. When people scroll through their feeds and see their friends and acquaintances posting about their seemingly perfect lives, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This can be particularly harmful for young people, who are still developing their sense of self and may be more susceptible to negative comparisons.

Social media can also contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. While it can help people stay connected with others, it can also lead to a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) when they see their peers having fun without them. This can lead to feelings of exclusion and disconnection, which can have a negative impact on mental well-being.

Another way in which social media can affect mental health is through the constant exposure to negative news and images. Research has shown that consuming a large amount of negative content on social media can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. This is particularly true during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when people are bombarded with information about illness, death, and economic hardship.

Additionally, social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and online harassment. The anonymity of the internet can embolden people to say hurtful things that they would not say in person, leading to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and isolation for the victims. This can have serious consequences for mental health, particularly for young people who are more likely to be targeted by cyberbullies.

Despite these negative effects, it is important to note that social media is not inherently bad for mental health. In fact, it can be a valuable tool for connecting with others, sharing experiences, and finding support during difficult times. The key is to use social media mindfully and in moderation, and to be aware of its potential pitfalls.

To mitigate the negative impact of social media on mental health, it is important for individuals to set boundaries around their social media use, such as limiting screen time, unfollowing accounts that make them feel bad about themselves, and cultivating real-life connections. It is also important for social media companies to take responsibility for the content on their platforms and to implement measures to protect users from harmful behavior.

In conclusion, social media can have a significant impact on mental health, both positive and negative. By being aware of its potential pitfalls and taking steps to mitigate its negative effects, we can harness the power of social media to enhance our well-being and connection with others.