Central and Eastern Kentucky
(2009-09-23)
RICHMOND
(Kentucky Public Radio) -
As Virginia seeks new sources of renewable biomass, there's controversy surrounding the most abundant source available: wood waste from forest products.
Representatives from lumber companies told a General Assembly panel they were forced to shut down production because state law prevents the disposal of wood waste. But there are few companies who find it financially beneficial to buy the waste products.
Virginia has a renewable portfolio standard credit program in place to incentivize energy companies to utilize wood waste products such as wood chips, bark, sawdust, and trees. But the amount that they're allowed to claim is capped at a fraction of what's generated annually.
It's for this reason Senator Richard Stuart, who sits on the Special Subcommittee of the House and Senate Commerce and Labor Committees, wants the cap removed.
Lumber industry representatives add that the only industry that will buy the waste is the paper industry, but it buys small amounts at a loss to the lumber companies. Representatives of the paper industry say they don't want the cap removed because their costs will rise.
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