Lawmakers Ask EPA to Approve RFS Pathway for Biomass Power

by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A bipartisan delegation of California lawmakers are urging the U.S. EPA to resolve any issues that prevent biomass and waste-to-energy pathways from receiving the same level of support as other forms of energy under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

The lawmakers sent a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on June 11 asking the agency to take quick action to process biomass and waste-to-energy pathways submitted under the RFS, and to solve any outstanding programmatic issues that stand in the way of allowing these sources of energy to receive the same support afforded to other forms of energy.

“Approving and registering biomass-derived electricity is important to our state and consistent with your message in Manchester, New Hampshire, earlier this year when you voiced your support of biomass and also in your recent announcement of EPA’s consideration of biomass a carbon neutral source of energy,” the lawmakers wrote. “Biomass is an important component of our state’s forest products economy, providing markets for low-value organic material that would otherwise be discarded or landfilled.”

According to the letter, biomass is especially critical in the state of California, which is experiencing an unprecedented tree mortality crisis.

The letter is signed by Reps. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif.; John Garamendi, D-Calif.; Paul Cook, R-Calif.; Raul Ruiz, D-Calif.; Dana Rorabacher, R-Calif.; Mimi Walters, R-Calif.; Devin Nunes, R-Calif.; and David G. Valadao, R-Calif.

“The biggest challenge for renewable biomass generation is the lack of equal treatment among all forms of renewable generation,” added Steve Mueller, president of ARP-Loyalton Cogen. “Wind and solar receive ITC’s/PTC’s which substantially reduce the delivered price/KwHr. Including biomass generation within the existing RFS program will help level this playing field in the near term while ITC’s and PTC’s are phased out. Thank you, Congressman LaMalfa, for your efforts on behalf of our industry.” READ MORE