Measures To Increase Biomass Utilization

The act requires the state forest service, at the discretion of the state forester, to implement a biomass utilization grant program (program) by awarding up to $2.5 million in grants to demonstrate the utilization of biomass throughout the state for purposes such as wildfire prevention and mitigation, increased biomass energy generation, and agricultural biochar. The forest service, at the discretion of the state forester, may administer the program with money from the healthy forests and vibrant communities fund and with any gifts, grants, and donations received.On or before March 1, 2023, and on or before March 1 in each year that the forest service awards one or more grants under the program, the state forest service shall submit a report summarizing the grant recipients' projects to the governor and the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture and natural resources matters.The program is scheduled for sunset review in 2026.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)