Clean Energy Advocates Celebrate National Bioenergy Day, Highlight Economic and Environmental Benefits of Biomass
LANSING — Today bioenergy industry groups, supply chain, partners and advocates across the country are celebrating the fifth annual National Bioenergy Day. Michigan Biomass and the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum (MCEF) have issued the following statements commemorating the immense economic and forest health benefits of biomass power in communities across the state:
“Michigan’s biomass facilities support hundreds of jobs across the supply chain, and bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue, helping to boost local economies in areas of the state that need it most,” said Larry Ward, executive director of MCEF. “Biomass also contributes to Michigan’s renewable energy goals, bringing the state closer to its 15% renewable portfolio standard.”
“Biomass power is a unique homegrown, baseload renewable energy source,” said Gary Melow, director of Michigan Biomass. “Biomass is made from local resources – leftovers from timber harvest and land management practices that are collected from our forests – and goes right back into communities to power homes and businesses with reliable energy, creating local jobs, and stabilizing the electric grid.”
“An ‘all of the above’ energy portfolio in Michigan must make use of biomass,” said Emily Pallarito, a MCEF Fellow. “Not only does biomass help provide reliable and affordable electricity to Michiganders, but the industry is a significant contributor to forest health as well. This helps to protect our abundant resources from wildfire and support our state’s ecotourism industry.”
To learn more about National Bioenergy Day, visit http://bioenergyday.com/. For updates in real time, follow @MCEF_MI and @MichiganBiomass on Twitter and use the hashtag #bioenergyday.
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About MCEF: The Michigan Conservative Energy Forum is an organization comprised of conservatives who believe that Michigan should adopt a true “All of the Above” energy policy that includes an increase in our commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency. MCEF believes encouraging diverse and clean energy production and reduced energy waste will create jobs and stimulate Michigan’s economy, reduce our reliance on foreign energy, improve our national security, and protect our valuable natural resources. http://www.micef.org/
About Michigan Biomass: Michigan Biomass is a coalition that advocates for the state’s wood-fired biomass power plants. For more information, please visit http://www.michiganbiomass.com/.