The move was applauded by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the biomass industry, farm groups, renewable energy proponents and timberland owners, but criticized by some environmental groups.
Supporters contend that burning of farm waste, energy grasses, forest wood and sawmill scraps to generate electricity is carbon neutral, if offset by growth of new biomass that absorbs CO2. These materials would emit greenhouse gases naturally if disposed of through composting, forest accumulation, landfills and open burning, they say.
Biomass
