Why Biomass is Important -- The Role of the USDA Forest Service in Managing and Using Biomass for Energy and Other Uses

Across the United States, major discussions are taking place regarding the relationships among energy, economic growth and security, the environment, and national security. A critically important part of these discussions is the intersection of energy security, environmental quality, and economic health (Fig. 1). Integrated production, management, harvesting, and conversion of woody biomass to efficiently produce energy and replace a significant portion of fossil fuels are fundamental to optimizing this balance. Our Nation’s forests are a strategic asset in this arena.