State, Local, and Tribal Government Woody Biomass Utilization Activity

States and local governments have recognized the benefits of utilizing woody biomass. This page provides links to efforts by and opportunities offered by state and local governments to promote the utilization of woody biomass.

Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - Many States have Renewable Portfolio Standards that require a certain percentage of energy used in the state be derived from renewable sources, such as biomass.
State & Federal Incentives & Laws - U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center. Some States provide biomass grants and incentives.
National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) - signed an agreement with DOI and the Forest Service to increase public understanding of the benefits of using wood biomass to reduce fuel buildup on public lands. The NACD uses publications, national and regional conferences, field tours, news media, websites and email methods to reach a broad audience. They have also developed a Speakers Bureau to assist in outreach/education; engaged their natural resource committees and field units in policy and project development; and have led many community efforts in reducing hazardous fuels on thousands of acres in the WUI.
National Association of State Foresters - a non-profit organization that represents the directors of forestry agencies from the fifty states, eight U.S. territories and associated states, and the District of Columbia.
The Western Governor’s Association - an independent, nonprofit organization representing the governors of 19 states and three U.S. island possessions in the Pacific, have endorsed an initiative to promote the development of 30,000 MWs of clean and diversified energy by 2015. This initiative includes an estimated 11,000 MWs of woody biomass utilization.

Harvesting Guidelines

Guidance on Harvesting Woody Biomass for Energy in Pennsylvania (PDF, 396 KB) - prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, "to help frame the issues surrounding the emerging biofuel industry, including existing markets, inventory, supply, demand, best practices, sustainable forest management, potential impacts, and opportunities. This document addresses biomass harvesting on both state and private forestlands."
Silvicultural and Ecological Considerations of Forest Biomass Harvesting in Massachusetts (PDF, 1.14 MB) - Prepared for the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. This report examines the levels of biomass fuels available in Massachusetts forests, and the impact of biomass harvesting on forest ecological processes.

Tools and Resources

Reports

Clean Energy, a Strong Economy and a Healthy Environment (PDF, 1.1 MB) - The Report of the Clean and Diversified Energy Advisory Committee to the Western Governors' Association, June 2006.
Energy Consumption and Renewable Energy Development Potential on Indian Lands, April 2000 - A study of energy on Indian lands to include: the electricity use and needs of Indian households an tribes; the comparative electricity rates that Indian households are paying, and; the potential for renewable resources development of Indian lands.
Western Governors Association, Biomass Taskforce Report - The Western Governors’ Association’s Clean and Diversified Energy Advisory Committee (CDEAC) commissioned this task force report in February 2005.

Training/Outreach Materials

National Association of Conservation Districts - helps districts meet forestry needs on private forest, urban and agricultural land.
- Woody Biomass Desk Guide and Toolkit - an overview of woody biomass production and utilization in the U.S., tips of how to provide effective outreach for your clientele, and educational handouts to share with your audiences. The purpose of this guide is to equip natural resource professionals and outreach specialists with the information and tools needed to increase awareness of the use of woody biomass for energy in the U.S.

Financing Opportunities

The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies (REET) Grant Program [Florida] - The REET Grant Program is a competitive grant program designed to provide funding to conduct demonstration, commercialization, research and development projects relating to renewable energy technologies and innovative technologies that significantly increase energy efficiency for vehicles and commercial buildings.

Contacts

California Biomass Collaborative - The mission of the California Biomass Collaborative is to enhance the sustainable management and development of biomass in California.
National Biomass State and Regional Partnerships - This Biomass Program primarily carries out state and regional partnerships through cooperation with the National Biomass State and Regional Partnerships which consists of five Regional Organizations: Coalition of Northeastern Governors Policy Research Center, Council of Great Lakes Governors, Southern States Energy Board, Western Governors Association, and DOE's Western Regional Office.