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ODOE: Bioenergy in Oregon

Forest Biomass Working Group
Introduction
The Forest Biomass Working Group was established in November 2005 to meet the directives in Senate Bill 1072 and accomplish the biomass goals in then Governor Kulongoski’s 2005 Renewable Energy Action Plan.
 
The FBWG is comprised of a wide range of stakeholders in the private, public and non-profit sectors working to advance sustainable biomass utilization in Oregon. Participation in the FBWG is open to any member of the public interested in contributing to this end.
 
This FBWG is an important statewide forum for information sharing, problem solving, and knowledge creation relating to forest biomass. The FBWG provides education, strategic recommendations, and advice to state agencies, policy makers, the biomass industry and other stakeholders. 
 
The FBWG operates under the basic premise that biomass utilization is a unique opportunity that can provide a myriad of benefits to the state, our forests, and our citizens. Forest biomass that is harvested and utilized in a ecologically and economically sustainable manner can help accomplish important goals for Oregon:
  • Increase the health and resiliency of Oregon’s forests
  • Reduce wildfire threats to communities and restore Oregon’s forest to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire
  • Improve air quality
  • Diversify and strengthen rural economies
  • Provide renewable energy and bio-base products
  • Maintain the existing forest products industry and support job growth and retention in Oregon
If you are interested in participating or would like to learn more about the FBWG, please contact Matt Krumenauer at 503-378-6043 or matt.krumenauer@state.or.us.
 
To sign up for the FBWG mailing list please clink on the link below:
 

 
Red Envelope Sign up to receive Forest Biomass Working Group email updates.
 
By subscribing, you will be notified of any substantial changes in the information on this page.
 

2012 Strategy Development
Since the FBWG was formed in 2005, there has been progress made and much has been learned about how to promote forest biomass utilization in Oregon. The FBWG has been instrumental in advancing public understanding of biomass, promoting policies that can enhance biomass opportunities and developing the biomass industry in Oregon. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done.
 
Over the past year, the FBWG has come together to discuss the changes in the economy, state and federal policy, and within the industry. The group has determined that a new statewide Biomass Utilization Strategy was needed to help guide policy makers, agencies, and the industry.
 
 /ENERGY/RENEW/Boimass/images/bus_for_Oregon.jpg 
 
This strategy will be designed to:
  • promote sustainable forest management and environmental protections,
  • move Oregon toward energy independence,
  • contribute toward our greenhouse gas reduction goals, and
  • provide economic opportunities for new and existing Oregon employers and their communities.
The strategy will also draw from and support related efforts such as the Federal Forest Advisory Committee Implementation Work Group, the Forest Cluster Economic Development team, and Oregon’s Ten Year Energy Plan.
 
Throughout February and March of 2012, the Co-Chairs of the Forest Biomass Work Group will be working directly with FBWG participants and other stakeholders to review the work completed to date, the recommendations from the 2007 FBWG report to the Renewable Energy Work Group, and identify the barriers, opportunities and key considerations that must be considered in developing this strategy.
 

Thermal Energy Roundtable
Distributed Generation Roundtable
  
Emerging Markets and Tech. Roundtable
Supply Chain Roundtable
  
Sustainability Roundtable
Eastern Oregon/Dry Forest Roundtable
 
The FBWG meeting on April 2, 2012 will focus on discussing the results of this work and begin to finalize a draft of the strategy. After this meeting, the FBWG will host public meetings around Oregon to present the draft and solicit additional input and comments. The goal of the FBWG is to have a final strategy completed by July 1, 2012.
 
If you are interested in following the progress of this effort, please sign up for the email updates above. Updates to this page and notifications about these public meetings will be made through this list serve.
 
Contact information for the Co-Chairs is listed below:
 

Forest Biomass Working Group Co-Chairs
Matt Krumenauer
Senior Policy Analyst
Oregon Department of Energy
(503) 378-6043
Matt.krumenauer@state.or.us 
Chad Davis
Director, Forest Stewardship Program
Sustainable Northwest
(503) 221-6911
cdavis@sustainablenorthwest.org 
 

Meetings
Meetings of the FBWG are open to the public and, unless notes, are held at the Oregon Department of Forestry (2600 State St., Salem, OR).
 

DATEAGENDAMINUTESMATERIALS 
April 2, 2012Agenda Strategy presentation  
Jan. 25, 2012AgendaMinutes Strategy presentation,
economic analysis of restoration,
WGA letter of restoration resolution,
WGA policy resolution,
public policy incentives for wood-based energy 
 
Oct. 25, 2011AgendaMinutesForest biomass removal,
Forest biomass collection and conversion 
 
August 22, 2011Agenda Minutes Public policy incentives for wood-based energy,
Pacific Northwest strategy		 
May 26, 2011Agenda Minutes Public policy incentives for wood-based energy,
Carbon neutrality (Version 3) 
 
March 8, 2011Agenda Minutes Report to Board of Forestry, Carbon neutrality,
Phase 2, Living lab 
 
Nov. 3, 2010Agenda Minutes   
August 31, 2010Agenda Minutes   
July 8, 2010Agenda Minutes   
Feb. 22, 2010Agenda Minutes Policy subgroup recommendation draft  
Nov. 17, 2009Agenda Minutes Draft outcomes, draft outcomes 2  
Sept. 15, 2009AgendaMinutes 2007 Energy Legislation,
Wood to Energy in Washingington		 
Sept. 25, 2007Agenda Minutes Summary of 2007 Legislation,
REFF grant program		 
March 12, 2007AgendaMinutesCommercial-scale bio-power  
Sept. 26, 2006Agenda Minutes  
July 26, 2006AgendaMinutes   
June 15, 2006Agenda Minutes  
June 1, 2006Agenda Minutes 
March 2, 2006AgendaMinutes   
Jan. 18, 2006AgendaMinutes   

Vision
The vision of the Forest Biomass Working Group, as stated in its Charter, is:
 
Oregon enjoys healthy forests, clean air, expanded economic opportunity, and greater energy independence because of thriving industries that make the best use of the state’s forest biomass.
 
The goal of the group is to achieve the vision by addressing the barriers that exist for sustainable use of forest biomass in Oregon. This will be accomplished through the following objectives:
  1. Coordinate: Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, cooperation and coordination between government agencies, non-government organizations and the private sector, leveraging the information and resources of all participants.

    • Coordinate with the other state Biomass Workgroups to promote the use of biomass as a sustainable source of renewable energy and value added products.
    • Assist rural communities with implementing strategies for economic expansion through the development of biomass-based businesses.
    • Increase understanding of local issues and needs relating to biomass energy development.
    • Monitor and encourage developing technologies that use forest biomass for energy and biochemical production.
    • Identify barriers that prevent establishment of a favorable business climate for businesses that use forest biomass as a raw material.
  2. Educate:Educate the public, government, environmental and business interests on the opportunities and benefits of forest biomass as a source of renewable energy through integrated statewide education and consensus building.

    • Inform state and federal policymakers of opportunities that will encourage forest biomass energy in Oregon and nationally.
    • Increase public understanding that biomass utilization is an effective tool for restoration of forests and rural economic development.
    • Establish and maintain a central clearinghouse via web pages and other tools for information on forest biomass energy and biofuels production.
    • Support strategies which provide for habitat needs, clean air and water, while meeting social and economic needs
  3.  Direct and Promote:Act at federal, state and local levels to accelerate the transference of best forest biomass management practices and energy development practices to chart a clear action plan forward.

    • Promote and support the goals of the Governor’s Renewable Energy Action Plan (REAP), and the Board of Forestry’s Forestry Program for Oregon.
    • Promote the use of stewardship contracting authority on federal lands to help establish a sustainable/levelized supply of raw materials from those lands.

Senate Bill 1072 (2005)
Senate Bill 1072, passed by the 2005 Legislature, directs the State Forester and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to take specific actions to increase the utilization of forest biomass, particularly from federal lands within the state, but also from tribal, state and private forests.
 
The Bill directs ODF to increase the state’s participation in federal forest management decisions so that local perspectives about specific forestland sites are considered. It also asks for assessing where opportunities exist, applying appropriate technologies to utilize these resources, and promoting public understanding of forest biomass issues and options.
 
Through the Forest Biomass Working Group, ODF is leading a collaborative effort with the Oregon Department of Energy and other state, federal, industry and public partners to foster a biomass industry in Oregon to meet the goals of Senate Bill 1072 and the Renewable Energy Action Plan mentioned above.