| Forest Biomass Working Group |
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Purpose
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The Forest Biomass Working Group (FBWG) was established in November 2005 to meet the directives in Senate Bill 1072 and to accomplish the biomass goals in the Governor’s Renewable Energy Action Plan (REAP).
Senate Bill 1072 and REAP provide complementary benefits. Developing markets for forest biomass would provide economic incentives to expand fuel-reduction programs to reduce risks and costs of catastrophic wild fires. Reducing fuel loads on overstocked forests would improve overall forest health, diversity and resiliency. Thinning and brush removal would accelerate tree growth, as well as increase resistance to disease outbreaks and insect infestations. Reducing pollution, including carbon dioxide, from wildfires and prescribed burns will also help meet the biosequestration goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions outlined in the Oregon Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reductions.
The Forest Biomass Working Group is one of three working groups addressing biomass development in different sectors – forest, agriculture, and urban. The Oregon Biomass Coordinating Group oversees the three, providing support and facilitating connections between them. As noted in its Charter, the Forest Biomass Working Group will look at barriers and opportunities for forest biomass development that will expand Oregon’s energy independence, promote healthy forests, improve air quality, and benefit the state’s economy, especially in rural areas.
The group’s goals will be achieved through market-based solutions and incentives that encourage the development of sustainable energy and biofuel industries and an array of products that utilize forest biomass as a raw material. FBWG will identify and implement alternatives to burning forest biomass including:
- material from logging debris, thinning, and brush removal; and
- wood products industry waste.
These materials can be used directly for thermal or electric generating fuels, methanol, chemicals or, preferably, value-added secondary wood products.
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Meetings
Members
Charter
FBWG Subgroups
Communications
Report to Renewable Energy Working Group (1/07)
Resources and Publications
Opportunities (funding and misc.)
Events
FBWG Critical Path Matrix
Agricultural Biomass Working Group
Urban Biomass Working Group
Oregon Biomass Coordinating Group
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| Senate Bill 1072 |
Senate Bill 1072, passed by the 2005 Legislature, directs the State Forester and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to take specific actions to increase the utilization of forest biomass, particularly from federal lands within the state, but also from tribal, state and private forests.
The Bill directs ODF to increase the state’s participation in federal forest management decisions so that local perspectives about specific forestland sites are considered. It also asks for assessing where opportunities exist, applying appropriate technologies to utilize these resources, and promoting public understanding of forest biomass issues and options.
Through the Forest Biomass Working Group, ODF is leading a collaborative effort with the Oregon Department of Energy and other state, federal, industry and public partners to foster a biomass industry in Oregon to meet the goals of Senate Bill 1072 and the Renewable Energy Action Plan mentioned above.
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| Members |
Members of the 36-person FBWG represent diverse interests including natural resources agencies, elected officials, forest and energy industries, environmental organizations, labor representatives and local communities. The group’s Charter specifies that their work will be completed by June 2007. The Oregon Departments of Forestry and Energy serve as the lead agencies.
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| Vision, Goal and Objectives |
The Vision of the Forest Biomass Working Group, as stated in its Charter, is:
Oregon enjoys healthy forests, clean air, expanded economic opportunity, and greater energy independence because of thriving industries that make the best use of the state’s forest biomass.
The goal of the group is to achieve the vision by addressing the barriers that exist for sustainable use of forest biomass in Oregon. This will be accomplished through the following objectives:
- Coordinate: Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, cooperation and coordination between government agencies, non-government organizations and the private sector, leveraging the information and resources of all participants.
- Coordinate with the other state Biomass Workgroups to promote the use of biomass as a sustainable source of renewable energy and value added products.
- Assist rural communities with implementing strategies for economic expansion through the development of biomass-based businesses.
- Increase understanding of local issues and needs relating to biomass energy development.
- Monitor and encourage developing technologies that use forest biomass for energy and biochemical production.
- Identify barriers that prevent establishment of a favorable business climate for businesses that use forest biomass as a raw material.
- Educate: Educate the public, government, environmental and business interests on the opportunities and benefits of forest biomass as a source of renewable energy through integrated statewide education and consensus building.
- Inform state and federal policymakers of opportunities that will encourage forest biomass energy in Oregon and nationally.
- Increase public understanding that biomass utilization is an effective tool for restoration of forests and rural economic development.
- Establish and maintain a central clearinghouse via web pages and other tools for information on forest biomass energy and biofuels production.
- Support strategies which provide for habitat needs, clean air and water, while meeting social and economic needs
- Direct and Promote: Act at federal, state and local levels to accelerate the transference of best forest biomass management practices and energy development practices to chart a clear action plan forward.
- Promote and support the goals of the Governor’s Renewable Energy Action Plan (REAP), and the Board of Forestry’s Forestry Program for Oregon.
- Promote the use of stewardship contracting authority on federal lands to help establish a sustainable/levelized supply of raw materials from those lands.
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