Wood to Energy

Throughout the United States, a wide variety of efforts are underway to develop economically sound and environmentally sustainable bioenergy production systems. Several Federal policies, such as the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003, support the establishment of biomass-to-energy systems. Scientists in government and nongovernmental agencies are taking the initiative to improve biomass production, processing, and conversion. Entrepreneurs are developing and marketing biobased products for use as bioenergy. Consumers are creating a demand for alternative forms of fuel and power generation. Yet, to advance biomass-based production, there is still a need to educate concerned citizens, community leaders, and those who can supply and use biomass fuels. Potential uses, sources of raw material, and requirements to convert from fossil fuels to biofuels are all topics of concern.