February 08, 2016
By:
Walter G. Wright
Category:
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
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The National Alliance of Forest Owners (“NAFO”) issued a February 3rd news release noting the United States Senate passage of an amendment to the energy bill “affirming the carbon benefits of forest biomass as an important part of the U.S. energy solution.”
NAFO states that the amendment reflects the bipartisan support of 46 Senators who signed a June 30th letter to the Obama Administration which affirmed:
… the carbon neutrality of forest biomass.
The news release states that the amendment will help drive a consistent federal policy across all departments and agencies based on “well-established science and agency expertise.” The United States Senators signing the June 30th letter included John Boozman and Tom Cotton of Arkansas.
NAFO states that the amendment directs the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy to jointly establish clear and simple policies for the utilization of forest biomass, including:
- Reflecting the carbon neutrality of forest bioenergy
- Recognizing biomass as a renewable energy source
- Encouraging private investment throughout the biomass supply chain, including working forests, harvesting operations, forest improvement operations, bioenergy, wood products and paper manufacturing
- Encouraging forest management to improve forest health
- Recognizing state initiatives to use biomass
Click here to download a copy of the NAFO news release and the June 30th letter.
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