Clark Fork Chronicle: Baucus, Tester bill clarifies definition of biomass
(Washington, D.C.) — Montana’s U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a broad, single definition for renewable biomass that is consistent with the definition established in the 2008 Farm Bill.
The senators’ proposed definition of biomass, which can be converted into energy, is available in the legislation online at http://tester.senate.gov/Legislation/…s_bill.pdf .
The senators say their single working definition will reduce confusion among federal agencies and will help restore health to America’s forests while building a critical plank of America’s renewable energy economy.
“Montana is home to thousands of acres of red, dead trees killed by mountain pine beetles. These trees are virtually worthless under current law, serving as little more than kindling for wildfires,” Baucus said. “By agreeing upon one broad definition of renewable biomass, we can put those trees to good use, protect our forests, and boost economic development opportunities across the state.”
