Woody Biomass

The Forest Landowners Association supports the increased use of renewable, alternative fuel sources in the form of cellulosic feedstock; woody biomass in particular. To aid in this increased use, definitions of woody biomass should include; other plants and trees and not simply wood residues, wastes and/or byproducts.

As gasoline prices rise, and the nation turns its focus to alternative sources of energy production. One of the renewable energy sources being touted is woody biomassBiomass is plant materials and animal wastes used for energy; especially tree (woody biomass) and grass crops, agricultural crops, and urban wastes—all of which store energy derived from the sun.The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 sets certain parameters of the Renewable Fuels Standards which defines woody biomass. The most restrictive interpretations of RFS would impede 88 percent of U.S. private forestlands from participating in this emerging alternative energy market. We believe the definition of woody biomass should be defined as other plants and trees and not simply as wood residues, wastes and/or byproducts.These energy sources are renewable, abundant, and economically competitive. In addition to lessening our dependence on traditional fuels and their finite availability, we hope to see increased production of alternative energy products; products which are environmentally cleaner than petroleum products.The use of woody biomass as an energy source will provide new markets for forest landowners; and in so doing contribute to forest health by removal of hazardous wildfire fuels, speeding recovery from natural disasters, alleviate vegetative-competition that contributes to pest and pathogens infestations, and deterring conversion of forestland to other uses.