Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Cleaner Transportation Fuel, Healthier Forests

Statement

U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today introduced bipartisan legislation to allow the use of biomass from certain federal lands needing ecological restoration in the making of renewable fuels to promote healthier forests, more carbon sequestration, cleaner transportation fuels and strong protections for old growth forests.

Current law does not allow the use of federal biomass in the making of renewable fuels as defined by the Renewable Fuel Standard. Wyden and Merkley's bill introduced today eliminates that exclusion and:

makes it financially feasible for private landowners to remove low-value brush that impact wildlife habitats and pose fire risks;

ensures that all mill residuals--like sawdust and shavings--can be used for biofuels;

helps pay for projects to reduce dead and dying trees that fuel catastrophic wildfires and to thin out unhealthy second-growth forests;

requires biomass materials harvested from federal lands to be done so in accordance with all federal laws, regulations, and land-use plans and designations; and

explicitly restricts the types of biomass materials that can be harvested from federal lands so that old growth trees and stands are protected.

"Oregonians have a strong interest in using biomass as a source of renewable energy. Not only is there an opportunity for cleaner transportation fuel, this is also important for forest management and wildfire prevention," said Wyden. "Our aim is to balance sound energy policy with sound environmental policy to ensure less carbon in the atmosphere and healthier forests."

"Oregonians have experienced how severe wildfires compromise the health and economies of our communities," said Merkley. "We must be proactive in making sure we are doing everything we can to manage our forests responsibly and reduce the risk of these catastrophic fires. This legislation is a step forward in supporting the long-term health of our forests, while also protecting old growth forests, safeguarding against clearcutting, and creating jobs."

In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, Angus King, I-Maine, Mike Crapo, R-Idaho and Susan Collins, R-Maine.

Source