Utilization of forest derived biomass for energy production in the U.S.A.: status, challenges, and public policies

An assessment of nonindustrial private forest landowner willingness to harvest woody biomass in support of bioenergy production in Mississippi: A contingent rating approach

“…To reduce the dependency on non-renewable oil based energy, a viable alternative fuel must be used that is both renewable and sustainable (Coleman and Stanturf, 2006). One of the most promising options to mitigate these problems in the United States is the use of bioenergy Guo et al, 2007).…”

Woody biomass utilization policies: State rankings for the U.S.

“…The choice of sources will depend on the technology used and various costs associated with biomass procurement. Previous studies have reported the barriers facing forest biomass utilization such as the costs of harvesting and transportation and technology constraints (Guo et al, 2007). To address these challenges, state policies specific to woody biomass may provide more incentives (e.g.…”

“…Various federal policies and programs have been established to stimulate the use of forest-derived biomass, especially small diameter wood, to reduce the danger of wildfire, maintain forest health, and diversify the domestic energy supply (Guo et al, 2007). Legislation has addressed the challenges of biomass procurement, improvement of lingo-cellulosic conversion technologies, and bio-product market development.…”

Factors influencing nonindustrial private forest landowners' policy preference for promoting bioenergy

“…Government incentives and supporting policies have promoted the production and use of bioenergy, which currently comprises 52% of the total renewable energy produced in the country (EIA, 2009). A large share of this bioenergy produced comes from woody biomass (EIA, 2004) and is used primarily by the forest products industry and the utility sector for generating heat, steam, and electricity (Guo et al, 2007). However, this is still a small portion of the nation's energy needs.…”

“…Though public policies similar to corn-ethanol industries can exhibit positive influence on the promotion of bioenergy from woody biomass, studies (Guo et al, 2007;Foster et al, 2005) have indicated the need for much stronger incentives for market establishment and development of wood-based bioenergy in the nation. For the sustainability of energy generation from woody biomass in the South, the supply side must not be ignored, which largely involves NIPF landowners.…”