Biomass Energy in the South

As the nation looks for renewable alternatives to fossil fuels, the energy contained in trees, grasses and other plants is being eyed as a power source for cars, trucks, electric utilities, and heating systems. The South, known as the "fiber basket of the world" due to its vast tracts of forest lands, could see tremendous growth of this new industry. 

For that reason, we must establish proper safeguards and clear definitions of what constitutes a renewable energy source, or else the use of biomass could backfire, turning mature forests into energy plantations, harming our water and wildlife, and increasing global warming emissions.

Sustainable Sourcing

To help the South reap the promise of bioenergy without degrading its natural resources, SELC is calling for clear standards that prevent the conversion of native forests into energy crops; that keep national forests off-limits to biomass extraction, especially in the ecologically rich Southern Appalachians; and that ensure protection of old growth forests, streams and wetlands, wildlife habitat, and other natural treasures.

Under such standards, acceptable bioenergy sources would include:

• Wood waste, such as "slash" left over from timber harvesting, sawdust and other residue from lumber milling, and construction debris;
• Thinnings and small-diameter pulpwood cut from existing pine plantations; and
• Other energy crops, such as switchgrass, grown on previously fallow land.

Keeping Carbon in Check

America's forests serve as carbon "sinks" that absorb and hold some 10 percent of the heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions the U.S. pumps out each year. Burning wood to generate electricity releases this CO2 and, in fact, can produce more carbon emissions per megawatt than coal.

Without requirements to quickly replace forests cut for energy production, we could wind up with a net increase in global warming pollution. To keep bioenergy carbon-neutral, we also have to factor in the greenhouse gases released during the harvesting and transporting of biofuels.

A letter signed by 90 pre-eminent scientists and researchers on this issue and sent to Congress in May, 2010 said: " ... clearing or cutting forests for energy, either to burn trees directly in power plants or to replace forests with bioenergy crops, has the net effect of releasing otherwise sequestered carbon into the atmosphere, just like the extraction and burning of fossil fuels."

Protecting Air Quality

Wood as an energy source may be renewable, but burning it produces harmful pollutants besides CO2, such as nitrogen oxides and microscopic dust particles that contribute to serious health risks. Wood-burning facilities must use the most effective pollution controls available.