Reprinted with the permission of Biomass Power & Thermal.
As oil prices hover above $100 per barrel, a variety of policies are vectoring U.S. bioenergy markets, creating a mix of uncertainties and opportunities that vary depending on federal policy determinations and the financial markets. The U.S. EPA has created uncertainty regarding the treatment of biomass as a carbon-neutral fuel under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration Clean Air Act permitting program, and its earlier determinations cast a cloud over whether biomass would qualify for favorable treatment under clean energy standards being considered in Congress. Separately, the approaching sunset of some federal tax incentive and loan guarantee programs requires action by biomass sponsors. Collectively, these trends are putting a premium on strategic project development decisions. ...
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