Oregon Public Broadcasting

A bipartisan group of congress members introduced legislation Tuesday to encourage the development of biomass technology.

From Bend, Ethan Lindsey reports.

Biomass energy burns trees and other plant material to generate heat or power.

It’s seen as a key source of green, sustainable fuel from the Pacific Northwest, because we have so many trees – and because many groups believe forests should be thinned, to reduce wildfire risks.

Hood River Republican Greg Walden and Canby Democrat Kurt Schrader say biomass should be a bipartisan goal because it creates green-collar jobs in rural Oregon.

One of their bills would give universities and other non-profits interest-free loans to purchase and develop new biomass technology. Many U.S. House members support the idea.

Another proposal expands forest thinning beyond residential communities – that bill quickly drew heat from environmental groups.

Washington Democrat Brian Baird, and Republican Cathy McMorris Rodgers, also sponsored the legislation.