Carbon-neutral biomass is a central component in the quest for low-carbon energy sources. However, concern is growing that, if managed improperly, not enough waste wood will be left in forests to adequately replenish soils and support ecosystems.
In addition, some researchers believe their will not be enough supply to meet growing demand for biofuel and electricity generated from burning biomass.
"There simply is nowhere near enough waste wood for all of these biomass projects that are popping up all over the place," Marvin Roberson, a forest policy specialist with the Sierra Club in Michigan, told the Associated Press.
However, government officials claim there is plenty of waste wood available and that guidelines will provide for the protection of woodland ecosystems.
A federal report states that 368 million tons of biomass could be removed sustainably from U.S. forests each year.
A University of Minnesota researcher. whose study shows a potential shortfall of supply, said investors are uneasy about the supply of this wood, which also can be affected by litigation and accessibility.
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