ABSTRACT
As noted in previous chapters the U.S. has a large wealth of forest resources. The proposition of displacing petroleum through biofuels or creating renewable electricity derived from forest-based biomass resources has tremendous appeal. It offers opportunities for improved energy independence, a more favorable trade balance, job creation in rural areas, decreased demand for petroleum, and lower fossil-derived CO2 emissions. To seize on the opportunity to use forest biomass in a manner that is economically viable, environmentally sound, and acceptable to society requires that careful consideration be given to all stages of the supply system or ‘value chain’.
