Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Interior Secretary Gale A. Norton announced an initiative to encourage the use of woody biomass byproducts as sources of renewable energy. The officials signed a memorandum of understanding that establishes consistent policies and procedures across the three agencies to support the use of these byproducts.

The MOU promotes the use of woody biomass byproducts from forest, woodland and rangeland restoration and hazardous fuels treatment projects that are consistent with locally developed land management plans. The byproducts that are removed can be used for biomass energy, such as steam and electric and a variety of other uses.

“This cooperative effort with these major federal land-holding departments provides benefits in terms of reducing hazardous fuels and improving forest health while, at the same time, increasing the nation's renewable energy supply,” said Abraham.

The agreement focuses on the use of byproducts from land management practices, such as fuels treatment and hazardous fuels reduction that reduce the rate of spread, intensity, resistance to control and crowning potential of wildfires by reducing available fuel. Woody biomass includes trees and woody plants — limbs, tops, needles and other woody parts that grow in a forest, woodland or rangeland area — that are byproducts of ecological restoration and hazardous fuel reduction treatment activities.

Energy is a key market for low-value woody biomass, and the DOE, USDA and DOI support and conduct research into biomass energy alternatives.

“The challenge has been that markets for biomass and small wood are sporadic and marginally economical in most western states. Stewardship contracting for the next 10 years presents the opportunity for a steady supply, new markets and product uses,” Norton said. “Thinning for biomass allows for wildlife habitat improvement with wildlife biologists designing the projects. These projects go on all the time on private land and are profitable both for the environment, energy and the landowner.”

The principles of this agreement will be implemented under the relevant authorities of the three federal departments. Agencies agreed to:

• Promote understanding among local communities, interested parties and the general public in forest restoration and fuels treatment projects, and biomass quality and quantity, as well as seek input on woody biomass use strategies.
• Develop and apply the best scientific knowledge pertaining to woody biomass use and forest management practices for reducing hazardous fuels and improving forest health.
• Encourage the sustainable development and stabilization of woody biomass use markets.
• Support the development and establishment of woody biomass use within tribal communities as a means of creating jobs, establishing infrastructure and supporting new economic opportunities.
• Explore opportunities to provide a sustainable supply of woody biomass.
• Develop and apply meaningful measures of successful outcomes of use.

The departments of Agriculture and Energy are also working together to fund projects through the Biomass Research and Development program and the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements program. Both programs were created by the Food Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Details on these programs can be found at www.usda.gov/farmbill and www.bioproducts-bioenergy.gov.

The MOU is effectively immediately.