Here are some recent research, grant funding and policy links related to forest biomass and biomass energy:

New Zealand plan pitches pine plantations for biofuels:

www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/northland/dargaville-districts/4481824/Fill-her-up-with-super-pine

California approves cap ‘n trade program: www.nytimes.com/2010/12/17/science/earth/17cap.html

Third in series on California LCFS looks at carbon accounting: biofuelsdigest.com/bdigest/2011/01/06/popping-the-hood-on-california%E2%80%99s-low-carbon-fuel-standard-pt-3-the-ca-lcfs-electricity-fair-or-foul/

WaterSMART – Western U.S.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Office, requests proposals for WaterSMART: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants. Through this RFP, the Bureau seeks West U.S. projects that save water, improve energy efficiency, address endangered species and other environmental issues, and facilitate transfers to new uses.  Individual awards NTE $1 million.  Responses due 2/17/11.  For more info, contact Michelle Maher at mmaher@usbr.gov or go to: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=59091.  Refer to Sol# R11SF80303.  (Grants.gov 12/13/10)

Energy for Sustainability   

The National Science Foundation requests proposals for Energy for Sustainability.  This program supports fundamental research and education in energy production, conversion, and storage and is focused on energy sources that are environmentally friendly and renewable.  Sources of sustainable energy include: Sunlight, Wind/Wave, Biomass, and Geothermal.  Responses due 3/3/11.  For more info, contact Gregory Rorrer at grorrer@nsf.gov or go to: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=58929.  Refer to Sol# PD-11-7644.  (Grants.gov 11/30/10)

Woody Biomass Utilization

The U.S. Forest Service requests proposals for the 2011 Woody Biomass Utilization Grant Program.  Proposed projects should use woody biomass material removed from forest restoration activities in a bioenergy facility that uses commercially proven technologies to produce thermal, electrical or liquid/gaseous bioenergy.  $3.7 million expected to be available, up to 15 awards anticipated.  Responses due 3/1/11.  For more info, contact Susan LeVan-Green at slevan@fs.fed.us or go to: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=58881.  Refer to Sol# USDA-FS-TMU-2011.  (Grants.gov 12/8/10)

Kevin Weeks

Public Information Officer

Oregon Department of Forestry

Agency Affairs Office

(503) 945-7427