Frequently Asked Questions
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Pine Biomass Environmental Facts:

•     Pine biomass is abundant and Georgia forests grow more each year than is harvested

•     Pine requires little energy input to produce.

•     Pine is essentially carbon neutral, i.e. removes as much carbon from the atmosphere as it releases when used for energy

•     Energy production from pine is environmentally sound.  Sustainable forestry and timber production produces little or no soil erosion and top soil loss

•     Pine can be grown on non-agricultural land and does not take away from productive food production acres.

•     Pine can be grown for energy in conjunction with other forest products and thus does not require a dedicated commitment of acres.

•     Pine biomass as a product offers incentive for maintaining forests and reforestation.

Pine Biomass Economic Facts:

•     Georgia ’s forest industry currently impacts Georgia’s economy with a $16 billion of industry output, plus an additional $10 billion in indirect benefits; as well as providing 154,000 jobs for Georgians.

•     The industry is poised to grow by supporting a pine biomass industry with the harvest and transportation infrastructure, as well as providing manufacturing biomass residues.  These activities should increase the economic impacts and jobs available in rural Georgia communities.

Pine Biomass to Support Energy Security:

	The bulk of pine biomass production will come from forest industry residues – tops and branches of Georgia’s already harvested pines. So, while fast-growing pines can be grown for the purpose of energy, a large untapped potential lies in currently unused biomass.
	Georgia has 24 million acres of timberland – the second highest area of any state – and 92% of it is privately owned.
	Georgia timberland owners are growing 22% more wood each year than is being removed from forests.
	The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a Renewable Fuel Standard for ethanol production: 7.5 billion by 2012; the President has followed with a recommendation of 35 billion gallons of alternative fuels by 2017.