america’s energy future bioenergy: opportunities and ... · america’s energy future by the year...

America’s Energy Future

BioEnergy: Opportunities and Challenges

National Conference of State Legislatures

Jana Gastellum25x’25/Energy Future CoalitionDecember 9, 2008


Outline

• Frame discussion• 25x’25 update• Challenges and Opportunities

– Biofuels– Sustainability– Woody biomass– Carbon


ENERGYThe Linchpin of Our Economy

Fundamental to our prosperity

Contributes to our quality of life

Historically has been abundant and affordable


Fossil based energy systems are not sustainable

World oil reserves are limited in supply and located in volatile parts of the world

Dependence on foreign oil is increasing


Costs of oil, natural gas and electricity have skyrocketed, fallen back, but will likely escalate again

Emissions from burning of fossil fuels are impacting the environment


By the year 2025, America’s farms, ranches and forests will provide 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the U.S. while continuing to produce safe, abundant and affordable food, feed and fiber.

Our Vision:

25x’25


25x’25 will:Create new marketsGenerate $700 billion in economic activity annuallyResult in 4-5 million new jobsReduce carbon dioxide emissions by one billion tons annually

All for only an investment equal to 5% of what America spent on imported oil in 2006.


Over 750 partners including:- National Corn Growers Association

- American farm Bureau Federation

- Forest Landowners Association

- Deere & Company

- Ford, Chrysler and GM

- American Wind Energy Association

- National Wildlife Federation

- Environmental Defense Fund


Passed by Congress as part of HR6

Signed into law by President Bush on December 19, 2007

25x’25 is now a national renewable energy goal!


30 Governor Endorsements


14 State Legislature Endorsements


40 State Alliances

Active AlliancesForming AlliancesAlliance Planning Underway


National RecommendationsRenewable Fuels

•Accelerate Production

• Biorefineries: loan guarantees, grants, risk reduction mechanisms

• Conversion technologies: increase RDD&D

• Energy crop: pilot transition program

•Expand Infrastructure

• Assess needs: Inter-agency study

• E85 expansion: tax credits, grants for corridors

•Market Building

• Reverse auction

• Increase flex-fuel/hybrid vehicles


State Alliance Priorities• Secure New Governor Endorsements• Pass State 25x’25 Legislative Resolution• Develop State 25x’25 Action Plan• Support National Energy Plan Objectives• Develop Information/Education Outreach

Programs• Assess Renewable Energy Strengths and

Economic Benefits• Integrate Climate Change Objectives• Record and Track Progress towards meeting the

25x’25 Goal


State Activities

The 25x’25 goal is certainly achievable, but will require cooperation and a collaborative effort among many diverse stakeholders – state leaders, policy makers, advocacy groups, the agricultural community, commercial energy developers, financial institutions, and the public.


State Activities (cont.)


Critical Challenges & Opportunities• Biofuel pushback• Sustainability issues• Woody biomass contributions• Role of agriculture and forestry in a

reduced carbon economy


Biofuels• RFS: Will the 1B gallons of cellulosic biofuels

goal be met? (CRS report)• Budget crisis: Incentives, R&D• Blend wall• Infrastructure

– Distribution, vehicles• Continuing food price debate• Fluctuating oil prices

• 25x’25 can’t meet its goal without cellulosic fuels.


Sustainability

• Sustainability Criteria– Water– Energy– Habitat

• International Processes– Global BioEnergy Partnership (G8)– Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels

• EPA GHG accounting


Woody Biomass• Definition of “Renewable Biomass”

– Implications for RFS (EISA 2007)• Sustainability issues

– SFI and FSC revising criteria– Woody Biomass Harvest Guidelines, Minnesota

Forest Resources Council, January 2008 • Feedstock/End use competition

• Work Group: stakeholder meetings for consensusrecommendations


Carbon

• New market – Legislative

uncertainty• Biochar as a new

opportunity?

• Work Group:– Capacity building– Recommendations

Source: Point Carbon, Business Opportunities in the Carbon Market, Nov. 11, 2008


Please Join Us in shaping our Nation’s Energy Future

www.25x25.org

america’s energy future bioenergy: opportunities and ... · america’s energy future by the year...

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