California is also taking a leading role nationally in utilizing biomass (biologically-derived renewable materials to produce energy, also referred to as "bioenergy") to help address its energy needs.  A new "Bioenergy Action Plan" is being developed and State production goals are being considered that would significantly expand the 615 megawatts of current production by more than 1,500 megawatts by 2020.

BLM lands hold tremendous potential for this use.  Currently, BLM is cooperating with Modoc County and other partners on a biomass project involving 6.6 million acres of juniper stands in northeastern California and northwestern Nevada. 

Reducing the spread of juniper and thinning juniper stands will reduce wildland fire fuels, benefit rangeland health, and restore sage grouse and mule deer habitat, while potentially producing over four million tons of juniper biomass.  Environmental studies are underway and juniper biomass produced could immediately be used at an existing biomass/cogeneration power plant on private lands at Honey Lake, California.  This source could make a significant contribution to the rural economy and domestic energy production.