Originally published February 15 2006
Biomass energy policies grew much more important over 2005
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Renewable Energy Access takes a look at changes in U.S. biomass energy policy over the course of 2005.
Implementing biomass-related energy programs is easier at the state level.
Currently, five states including California, Ohio, Hawaii, Minnesota and Montana have either a Renewable Fuel Standard or have passed legislation to use biofuels.
Photo: www.sparetheair.org Until recently, biomass has been on the backburner for many renewable energy advocates, but the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), numerous agriculture organizations and several Members of Congress have been promoting this renewable energy source for years.
Rolls Battery This year, hurricanes, sky-rocketing oil and natural gas prices, and national security concerns have created a ripe atmosphere for biomass-related legislation to finally garner much broader attention and support.
2005 was marked by considerable growth in the field of biomass and biofuels, spurred by a combination of high energy prices, concerns over the geopolitical ramifications of the country's heavy reliance on foreign oil, and a crystallizing view that renewable energy technologies can offer new avenues for economic stimulus -- all factors in addition to the positive environmental attributes.
History and Introduction In 2001, at the request of Senate committee staff, EESI published its white paper, The 2002 Farm Bill: Revitalizing the Farm Economy Through Renewable Energy Development, because of EESI's concern that the 2002 farm bill needed to address the opportunities of farm-produced renewable energy.
The energy title encouraged federal procurement of bio-based products, provided grants and loans for renewable energy projects, and funded vital research and development in bioenergy.
Funding and Appropriations Despite increasing interest in biomass, the beginning of the year started out once again with the Administration's FY06 budget request slashing funding for Sec. 9006 (Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Systems Grants/Loans program) and Sec. 6401 (Value-Add program which also provides grants to farmers and rural businesses).
Of these funds, over $7 million will be used for biomass-related energy projects, such as the production of biofuels or methane from anaerobic digesters.
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