Building a green forest biomass industry in Washington’s forests took a step forward over the weekend as the Legislature passed the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Forest Biomass Supply Agreements Bill. The legislation, which was requested by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, takes the next step towards creating a forest biomass industry from state trust lands.
If signed by the Governor, the bill will allow DNR to enter into long-term agreements to supply biomass from overcrowded young forests and after-harvest slash to the biomass energy economy. To date, a major obstacle to realizing the benefits of the biomass energy has been securing reliable and predictably priced biomass feedstock.
The bill incurs no cost to the State’s General Fund and, actually, has the potential to generate revenues from state-managed forestland.
Following the bill’s passage Commissioner Goldmark released the following statement:
“I appreciate the Legislature’s support for our Forest Biomass Initiative. It will not only help achieve a greener economy and create rural jobs, but can earn some added revenue for schools and other state trusts. I look forward to support from Governor Gregoire on this effort.”
The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for her signature in the coming weeks.
Earlier this year, DNR announced the first four companies selected to partner with it in test projects for renewable energy using biomass from forested state trust lands–an initiative authorized by the 2009 Legislature. Now, if the new legislation is signed into law by the Governor, the agency will be able enter into long-term agreements to supply biomass to those partners.
