By Laura Leslie, WRAL Capitol Bureau chief

Raleigh, N.C. — Residents of some of the state’s poorest areas on Wednesday criticized state leaders for offering incentives to the wood pellet industry to settle in their communities, polluting the air and water.

Wood pellets are a fuel source made out of compressed pulp, and the manufacturing process creates a lot of fine dust in the air.

The European Union classifies wood pellets as a renewable energy resource, and they’re in high demand