In Fernandina Beach, the debate over the planned bioethanol plant continues

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla – People in Fernandina Beach are taking sides in the debate over a planned bioethanol plant.

Rayonier Advanced Materials is looking to expand its existing location south of downtown Fernandina.

Speakers for both sides appeared at a town hall meeting on Thursday.

Some of those opposed to the project said they recognize the importance and history of the mills in the area but are concerned about the safety of people in the community.

“I just don’t think this is the right place to do what you want to do,” one public commenter said. “We have 1.6 million people living here. We don’t have a fire department that can handle such an accident. Where could we get this help from?”

The company says the new plant would create stable jobs, boost the economy and create a more sustainable future for the region.

“Second Generation (2G) BioEthanol is a cleaner, greener alternative to fossil fuel-based gasoline and will help support 300 good-paying local manufacturing jobs, positively impact local property values ​​and support the Fernandina Beach economy,” said the company on its website.

The project’s supporters agreed. They said the facility should be built to protect existing jobs at Rayonier.

“The great thing about Fernandina is these two mills because almost a thousand people work in these two mills,” said one supporter. “Most of them are workers. Most of them are non-college graduates who earn significant income.”

Earlier this year, a man who lives near the plant filed a petition asking the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to review the company’s air quality permit.

A hearing is scheduled for November 18th.