Calls for use of renewable forest biomass and climate change offset trading
WASHINGTON, DC (June 3, 2009) – Dr. Tom Monaghan of the Mississippi Forestry Association testified before a House Subcommittee today on behalf of the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO). Dr. Monaghan spoke on the benefits of working forests to our nation’s environment, natural resources infrastructure, climate change mitigation and renewable energy. He urged Congress to adopt broad definitions for renewable forest biomass and recognize the carbon-sequestering contributions of working forests in climate change policy.
Dr. Monaghan testified before the Subcommittee on Department Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry of the House Committee on Agriculture during its hearing on the “future of our nation’s forests.”
Dr. Monaghan’s emphasized in his statement that the sustainability of private forests relies on viable markets for forest products. He said, “The economic value of forests is the engine that drives our collective ability to sustain our forest resources now and in the future.”
Dr. Monaghan told the Subcommittee that, in addition to strengthening existing markets, policy makers have an opportunity to promote new markets for forest owners in renewable energy and climate change mitigation, emphasizing the importance of enabling forest owners to take advantage of the new markets, “Wood is the original renewable energy and can play a vital role in our energy future. Currently, the forest products industry generates approximately 80 percent of all renewable biomass energy. If Congress mandates a certain level of renewable electricity generation, it should provide sufficient flexibility to allow renewable forest biomass to make its full contribution.”
He continued, “Just as with renewable energy, national climate policy and legislation should recognize what forests do – they capture store and carbon, both in the forest and in durable wood products. National policy should promote new markets for wood, and forest owners should be able to take advantage of carbon offset credits from forest management and harvested wood products as a source of revenue.”
David P. Tenny, President and CEO of NAFO, underscored why Dr. Monaghan’s perspective is valuable, “Tom has spent over 30 years working with forest owners on the ground in Mississippi. He understands their needs, what drives sustainable forest management and how to provide them with the economic tools they need to continue managing their forests for long-term benefits.”
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NAFO is an organization of private forest owners committed to promoting federal policies that protect the economic and environmental values of privately-owned forests at the national level. NAFO membership encompasses more than 74 million acres of private forestland in 47 states. The Mississippi Forestry Association is a member of NAFO.
Tags: Working Forests
