Biomass Plant Closures

Biomass plants throughout the state, which generate electricity from wood waste, have been and continue to be idled because of expiring contracts with utilities for the purchase of electricity. Without the operation of the plants, the ability to dispose of wood waste from the management of forests, agricultural and urban sources will be severely constrained. The plants typically need waste from all sources to operate effectively. The closure of the plants is occurring at a time when drought conditions have dramatically increased the amount of wood waste.