As a tree farmer, I strongly oppose the proposed regulation as currently written.  It must be revised so that emissions from biomass combustion are not included.  How does biomass become part of a proposed regulation titled, "Reduce and Cap Carbon Dioxide from Fossil Fuel Fired Electric Power Generating Facilities"?  The regulation should only apply to emissions from those facilities.

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) should exempt new and existing industrial boilers as well as recognize that carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of biomass are carbon neutral even if other fuels are being used at the same time.  Again, what is the title of the proposed regulation?

My tree farm is within several miles of gas fired electric generating plants and I couldn't be happier!  Members of the agricultural and forestry communities are very aware of the environment and constantly work to improve it.  Remember photosynthesis from high school biology?  It is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen using the energy of sunlight.  Plants too need oxygen but they produce much more than they use.  Thank a plant for the oxygen you breathe!

Biomass helps the agricultural and forestry communities generate needed income in businesses that are replete with unforeseen risks.  Biomass is truly a renewable energy source especially from sustainable, managed forests. Its use should be encouraged as a valuable, carbon neutral resource and fuel supply!