Wicker, Cochran Back Biomass Energy

Press Release

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., are urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Energy (DOE) to recognize and support biomass energy as a sustainable and economically significant energy source. Wicker and Cochran were joined by a bipartisan group of 44 senators in sending the letter.

"Biomass could have an enormous impact on our nation's energy capabilities, job creation, and economic growth," Wicker said. "Cutting red tape is an important step as we work to unlock forest bioenergy as a realistic, renewable energy source."

"Wood-based bioenergy offers great potential for improving national energy security and job creation and should be a more important part of America's comprehensive energy plan. Federal agencies need to remove regulatory barriers that hinder forest biofuel production, which could be more widespread throughout the Southern states," said Cochran, who promoted biofuel provisions in the 2014 farm bill.

The letter -- led by Senators Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. -- highlights the importance of forest bioenergy and encourages the agencies to ensure that federal policies are consistent and reflect the carbon neutrality of biomass derived from residuals of forest products in manufacturing and agriculture.

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