EPA Policy Affirms Forest Biomass Is Carbon Neutral

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has set the stage for a new policy at his agency regarding forestry and the treatment of forest biomass as an energy resource.

In a letter to New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, Pruitt laid out EPA plans for treating biomass and the forest products industry going forward.

“Understanding the importance of the forest products industry to New Hampshire, and recognizing the environmental, economic, and social benefits our nation as a whole derives from its vast resources, I write to highlight the work the Environmental Protection Agency has undertaken and is continuing to undertake to advance and promote the responsible use of those forest resources,” Pruitt wrote.

In a departure from the previous administration’s policy, Pruitt stated that “energy derived from biomass may in appropriate circumstances be recognized as carbon neutral.”

“Continuing to be responsible stewards of our nation’s forests and lands while utilizing all domestic forms of biomass to meet our energy needs are mutually compatible goals,” Pruitt said.

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