We Energies and Domtar are a big step closer to building a $250 million biomass fueled plant on the Domtar paper facility.

They now have the local level of approval they need, but it's still up to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to give the final stamp of approval.

Thursday night members of the Rothschild Village Board unanimously voted in favor of the biomass plan.

According to Village President Neal Torney, the stie plan adequately fits within Rothschild's codes and ordinances.

Storm water management, lighting and traffic control were among points board members were to consider.

"We feel that all of those issues have been addressed adequately and we saw no real issues of concern," Torney said.

He says there were some minor adjustments to be made, things like the color of the facility and landscaping.

Woody biomass is derived from tree tops and branches left over from logging, as well as woodchips and bark.

The state does have an initiative to promote the use of natural resources to provide heat to schools and communities.

According to the state Office of Energy Independence, there are currently 11 Wisconsin schools that use biomass for heating.

Critics of the biomass plant say they're disappointed with Thursday's vote. They are against the plant because their opinion is it will harm the environment and the community.

The Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing on the project Sept. 8th.