Regarding the question of sustainability for any particular bioenergy facility, SACE reviews biopower and biofuels projects carefully on a case-by-case basis, looking at basic and advanced criteria including environmental, economic, social impacts, and energy supply & demand. Specifically we evaluate feedstock types, feedstock supply, energy output, efficiency, nearby projects, jobs and local economic development, emissions, water use, and numerous other criteria. While we look at projects on a case-by-case basis, we also consider how the project will impact a transition in the way we produce energy in our region.

Regarding genetically engineered trees, SACE has not yet formalized a policy on this. However, based on our estimates, we currently do not see this as necessary to meet our biomass resource supply needs.

We appreciate your questions and will look at engaging our members in future discussions like these.

One of the five streams that are designated as “ok” in the paper are, “Sustainably harvested wood and forest residues.” We all know the word “sustainable” is a nebulous and oft-corrupted word, and such language does not ensure adequate safeguards. That being said, how has SACE determined/certified that the facility in the article above and others individually and collectively now and in the future will meet a sustainability standard.

And it would be fantastic for SACE to establish a position that clearly discourages planting genetically engineered trees in our region. Can we expect that? Can the members vote on it?

As for Arborgen, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Dr Maud Hinchee presenting last week on the tremendous productivity gains our woodlands can gain without genetic engineering. See the middle scenarios in slides 10 and 11 of this PDF.

As for working with other organizations, we welcome collaboration wherever possible. We work frequently with the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) on biomass issues. In Georgia, just this past Monday we had a very productive meeting with a broad coalition of groups, the second in a series of dialogues with more than 24 GA environmental groups seeking to learn more about biomass electricity. In North Carolina we collaborate regularly with a coalition of nearly a dozen different environmental groups, with the facilitation of the NC Conservation Network.

Getting biomass energy right is going to be a challenge, but it is vitally important that we do everything we can to get it right. Whenever and wherever people are willing to engage in serious dialogue on this subject, we strive to be there. So, thank you for engaging!

Ford’s Model A, ran on alcohol and you could buy farm produced alcohol all across the nation.

Alcohol is the world’s second oldest profession. Also fermentation ethanol fuel production produces co-products that can be used to produce more organic foods than are used to create ethanol. It is an amazing example of true permaculture than can support successful and sustainable agriculture for many generations to come. The key to our success in clean fuels will be in small scale community ethanol production.