The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the award of more than $4.2 million in grants to 13 small businesses and community groups developing renewable energy projects and new product development using woody biomass from hazardous fuel reduction projects on National Forest land.
USDA’s Forest Service released its strategic direction for bioenergy and biobased products that ties directly to the Obama Administration push to develop alternatives to fossil fuel use in the U.S. The report says there’s an opportunity for America’s forest resources to significantly contribute to U.S. energy security, economic development and environmental quality that will result in:
- Wood-based energy and bioproducts that enhance the environment
- Secure, sustainable, renewable energy sources
- Strong rural economies.
Woody biomass includes small-diameter and low-value wood residue such as tree limbs, tops, needles and bark that are often byproducts of forest management activities. Innovative uses for such biomass can help offset expensive thinning operations and enhance the health and resilience of forest ecosystems, USDA said.
Grant recipients are required to provide at least 20% of the total project cost. Non-federal matching funds total more than $9 million. In Arizona, for example, Cooley Forest Products will purchase a mobile canter saw allowing them to process small logs at a forest landing, thereby reducing transportation costs. West Range Reclamation in Colorado can now acquire a delimber/debarker allowing them to efficiently process beetle-killed trees.
The Forest Service Woody Biomass Utilization grant program was established in 2005 and is administered by the State and Private Forestry, Technology Marketing Unit, at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wis. The program has provided over $30.6 million toward various projects, ranging from biomass boilers for heating schools and prisons, to helping forest-based businesses acquire equipment to improve processing efficiencies.
In total, 123 grants have been awarded to small businesses, non-profits, tribes and state agencies working to improve forest health while promoting jobs, green energy and healthy communities.
Earlier this week, USDA released
a report providing a roadmap on how America can meet the Renewable
Fuel Standard (RFS2).
In Related News…
Power generated by burning wood, plants and other organic material, which makes up 50% of all renewable energy produced in the United States, according to federal statistics, is facing increased scrutiny and opposition.
Read New York Times coverage at the link below.
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