Photo by Ellen Miller

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Biomass Moving to the Front


Governor John Kitzhaber and the Oregon legislature are both trying to use biomass production to help jump-start job creation.  The legislature held a hearing on HB 2936, the bill would grant a $10/ton tax credit for transporting biomass.  The bill includes sponsorship by House Speakers, Reps. Hanna, R-Roseburg, and Roblan, D-Coos Bay.  Reps. Jim Thompson, R-Monmouth, Sherrie Sprenger, R-Albany, and Mike Schaufler, D-Portland, crafted the bill.

Timber industry testimony from the Oregon Forest Industries Council and Associated Oregon Loggers clearly pointed out that biomass production can only be successful when timber harvests include sawtimber to help pay for biomass removal.  The biomass tax credit hearing coincided with an earlier in the week visit from President Barack Obama.


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