A DNR forest biomass pilot project that would create jet fuel from wood waste got the go-ahead from the Washington State Legislature today. The bill, HB 1422, was advanced to Gov. Chris Gregoire for final action today after the House voted 96-0 to approve Senate amendments to the measure.
The bill will allow DNR to develop a demonstration program to generate aviation biofuel from wood waste and mill residue. In doing so DNR will be able to form partnerships to develop and implement the project. DNR also will set up a stakeholder group to develop a strategy for broader use of forest biomass as aviation biofuel if the technology proves workable.
As part of DNR’s Forest Biomass Initiative, aviation biofuel would be highest and best use for residual forest biomass as well as a unique opportunity to help new, efficient technologies get to the marketplace. Forest biomass is envisioned as a sustainable energy source that can play a meaningful role in Washington’s renewable energy sector. Using forest biomass, such as logging slash or forest health treatment thinnings, can also help maintain the working forests lands that provide habitat, clean water and other benefits to the public.
Read a copy of DNR’s Forest Biomass Initiative report to the 2011 Washington State Legislature
Also gaining final approval today was a bill that improves upon the Forest Riparian Easement Program. The House this afternoon approved by a 96-0 vote the Senate passed version of HB 1509 which expands the compensation that small forest landowners may receive for agreeing to not harvest trees in a riparian (steamside) easement area, channel migration zone, or on potentially unstable slopes on their land. The bill also sets up a study group to look for long-term funding solutions for the program.
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