Biomass: A Critical Time for You to Weigh In

As Vermont looks increasingly at alternative energy supplies for both electricity generation and heating use, the use of wood biomass from our forests has been receiving increasing attention. The Biomass Energy Development Working (BioE) Group – created by the legislature several years ago to look at ways to promote the efficient and sustainable development of woody biomass energy while safeguarding the health of our forests – has just released its draft report for public comment. Now is an important time for Vermonters to weigh in.

VNRC has been participating on the Bio-E Group, and providing input on the development of policies.  As an organization serving on the BioE Group, we have worked hard to promote two key principles:

• That woody biomass should be used as efficiently as possible because there is only a limited amount of additional wood that is available for energy development. Incentives should support the most efficient technologies, such as thermal-led and home heating applications; and

• Concrete procurement standards and harvesting policies are needed to ensure that biomass projects maintain healthy soils, wildlife habitat, water quality, and forest regeneration.

We believe these elements are critical to any biomass policy Vermont develops. We also understand that many of you care about our forests, and their sustainable use for diverse values.

Now is a critical time to offer your own thoughts and comments, and you can do it in two ways:

• You can express your view at a public hearing, held by the BioE working group, Tuesday, December 6 at the State House in Room 11 at 7:00 pm.

• You can file written comments by email by click here.The deadline for written comments is Monday, December 12.

To review the draft BioE report click here. Under "Documents," click "Draft Fianl Report for Public Review 11-11-11."

Thanks for all you do,

The VNRC Team