Woody Biomass Coalition Applauds Congressional Action

The Woody Biomass Coalition applauds the House Agricultural Committee’s Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research for its recent work in marking up the Energy Title of the Farm Bill.

Included in the Subcommittee markup of the title is up to $2 billion in loan guarantees for biorefineries and biofuel production plants and a $15 million Forest Bioenergy Research program. The Subcommittee also made adjustments to the Bioenergy Program in the 2002 Farm Bill to include “agricultural cellulosic biomass.” And, continued through 2012 is the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000. The Subcommittee’s markup is available for viewing at http://agriculture.house.gov/inside/2007FarmBill.html.

“The programs the Subcommittee included are an important step toward creating sustainable markets for woody biomass,” says Daniel Dructor, executive vice president of the American Loggers Council, one of the coalition founders.

The goals of the coalition include reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil and improving the nation’s national security position, as well as improving forest health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Another goal is to create new markets for renewable fuels, including woody cellulosic ethanol, which will promote economic opportunities and growth while supplying a sustainable supply of woody biomass for all biomass/bioenergy products.

The Woody Biomass Coalition members are: Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference, American Forest Resources Council, American Loggers Council, Associated Oregon Loggers, Association of Consulting Foresters, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Blount Inc., Caterpillar Inc., Deere & Co., Fecon Inc., Forest Landowners Association, Hancock Forest Management, Intermountain Forestry Association, Michigan Association of Timbermen, Montana Logging Association, National Association of Conservation Districts, National Woodland Owners Association, The Price Companies Inc., Society of American Foresters, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association and Southeastern Wood Producers Association.

More information is available at www.woodybiomass.net.