Shaheen Helps Introduce New Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Renewable Fuels

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined her colleagues to introduce new bipartisan legislation that would expand the use of biomass from wood waste and low-value timber for renewable fuels. The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act proposes to modernize the definition for renewable biomass under the Renewable Fuel Standard, establishing a strong market for woody biomass generated through responsible forest management activities. “The forest products industry is crucial to the stewardship of the Granite State’s forests and fuels economic opportunity in our state’s rural communities,” said Senator Shaheen. “By allowing for timber byproducts to be used for renewable fuels, the legislation creates new markets for the material while also incentivizing continued sustainable management of our state’s working forests.” The bill is supported by more than 74 organizations, including the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), Intertribal Timber Council (ITC), Alliance for Wildfire Resilience, American Forest Resource Council and American Farm Bureau Federation. You can read the full bill text HERE . Shaheen has long advocated for the Granite State’s forest products industry, including securing federal investments. Shaheen recently introduced the Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act , bipartisan legislation that supports innovative and sustainable wood products and energy from biomass made from small-diameter timber left over from forest thinning projects, including projects that reduce the risk of wildfire. The Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act builds on Shaheen and Collins’ Community Wood Energy Innovation Act which was signed into law in the 2018 Farm Bill and expanded the Community Wood Energy Program to better incentivize investments in energy-efficient wood energy systems and facilities that repurpose low-grade, low-value wood that would otherwise be sent to landfills. ###