biomass and bioenergy from southern forests

BIOMASS AND BIOENERGY FROM SOUTHERN FORESTSChallenge to Forest Research and Development

Outline Background The Research Model The Key Issue of the Day (Sustainability) FS Sustainable Operations (Auburn

LEED) Science Delivery

Why Biomass and Bioenergy?

Energy Price Energy Security Carbon Footprint—Greenhouse Gases

US Bioenergy Approach Administration Goals Policy (RFS, RES) Incentives Development loans R&D Funding

Energy Independence and Security Act 2007 (EISA)

The The Renewable Renewable Fuel Fuel StandardStandard

Cellulosic Ethanol

100 gal/odt = 160M odt per year of feedstock100 gal/odt = 160M odt per year of feedstockIf 1/2 comes from forestland = 80M odt per yearIf 1/2 comes from forestland = 80M odt per year

ACESA 2009 Renewable Electricity Standard

6% 2012 rising to 25% by 2025 Cap-and-trade program

American Clean Energy and Security Act H.R. 2454 Harvested through “sustainable mgmt” Allows limited Fed supply Defines “sustainable mgmt” SecAg to issue biomass harvesting

guides Fed monitoring and verification Study by EPA, DOI, USDA to assess

impacts on …

RES/RPS

20% RPS = 62M odt per year20% RPS = 62M odt per year

Current roundwood production

16 B cf = 160M odt16 B cf = 160M odt

Double woody fiber production

Federal Incentives (BCAP) Establish BCAP zones at biorefineries Landowner contracts 75% of establishment Annual land rent $1 for $1 match at harvest 15 yr contracts for woody crops Regs being developed by FSA for 2010

Southern Env Law Center

www.pinchot.org

Key Questions

Extent of harvesting and impacts Sustainability/long-term site productivity Land-use change Efficiency of conversion Emissions/life cycle analysis Impact of policy/market distortions

Not about “wood to energy”

Acceptable resource management Major extension of public interest in

private land management—not just water and endangered species anymore

Potential to have greater impact on forest management than any other policy development since 1970’s

Where are we in this debate?Where are we in this debate?