The American Biomass Energy Association and Pellet Fuels Institute are among 400-plus associations, businesses and landowners representing the forest products sector that sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Sept. 8 urging immediate action to stabilize the U.S. forestry sector and its access to markets in the face of mounting mill closures, devastating natural disasters, pests and diseases, and unfair foreign trade practices.&nbsp;“Together, these forces are pushing many landowners to exit forestry altogether,” the groups wrote. “If forests are abandoned or converted, the consequences for our domestic timber supply, as well as markets for housing, infrastructure, consumer products, energy, rural livelihoods, and environmental security, will be severe. This is not just a regional concern—it is a national crisis. Strong working forests are important to America’s overall economic strength. But with decisive action, we can turn these threats into opportunities—keeping landowners on the land, supporting loggers and mill workers, and creating new jobs through expanded markets for wood products, renewable energy, and biobased manufacturing.”The letter outlines four immediate steps the Trump administration can take to spark job creation and economic growth. This includes promoting the use of biomass for electricity and expanding the definition of qualifying wood biomass under the Renewable Fuel Standard.&nbsp;“Promoting biomass for electricity production to power homes and manufacturing would rapidly contribute to wildfire risk reduction and support the wood product supply chain, while generating new employment in power production and mill communities,” the groups wrote. “In addition, expanding the use of biomass would create new market opportunities for other agricultural products and residues, further strengthening rural economies and supporting America’s farmers alongside forest landowners.”Regarding the RFS, the groups stressed that “clarifying and expanding the definition of woody biomass in the RFS so that small trees, harvest residuals, and mill residuals can be made into transportation fuel for aviation, shipping, and other applications, would open new markets for low-value wood, help wildfire prevention, improve forest health, and strengthen rural economies while increasing American energy production and creating new jobs.”The letter also calls on Trump to endorse and support the Disaster Reforestation Act and support the Loggers Economic Assistance Act.&nbsp;“Mr. President, America’s private forests are a strategic asset,” the groups added. “They provide raw materials for housing, infrastructure, consumer products, and renewable energy, while supporting millions of jobs. Without decisive action, we risk losing this foundation of our economy and national security. By advancing these measures, your Administration can ensure not only that America’s forests remain strong and resilient, but also that they continue to be engines of job creation, economic growth, and prosperity in the rural communities that form the backbone of this nation.”A full copy of the letter is available on the Forest Landowners Association <a href="https://forestlandowners.com/more-than-400-organizations-urge-president-trump-to-act-on-national-forestry-crisis/">website</a>.

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The ABEA and PFI are among 400-plus associations, businesses and landowners representing the forest products sector that sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Sept. 8 urging immediate action to stabilize the U.S. forestry sector 

Forestry stakeholders call on Trump to promote biomass power, expand definition of woody biomass under RFS

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