Forest Biomass and Bioenergy: Opportunities and Constraints in the Northeastern United States Principal authors: Thomas Buchholz1, PhD, Senior Consultant Charles D. Canham2, PhD, Senior Scientist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies Contributing author: Steven P. Hamburg3, PhD, Environmental Defense Fund February 17, 2011 Author Contact Information: 1The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, 343 Aiken Center University of Vermont, 81 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405; phone (802) 881‐5590; email:
[email protected] 2Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Box AB, Millbrook, NY 12545; phone (845) 677‐7600 ext. 139; e‐mail:
[email protected] 3Environmental Defense Fund, 18 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108; phone (617) 406‐ 1832; e‐mail
[email protected] Northeastern Forest Biomass Energy EXECUTIVE SUMMARY There has been enormous interest in the use of forest biomass for energy in the Northeastern US. Both the federal government and most states in the region are actively engaged in assessments of the potential role of forest biomass in renewable energy standards and portfolios. This study addressed two critical components of those assessments: • the amount of biomass that can be sustainably harvested from Northeastern forests for energy purposes, and • which conversion technologies and end‐use applications should be pursued to most effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and promote the rural economy of the region. Our analyses relied on data on forest biomass supply from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) program and the Timber Products Output (TPO) database, and on data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) for the energy analysis.