Today forest owners responded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Power Plan (CPP) with an appeal to Congress for greater certainty. Private forests are well-positioned to provide our nation with long-term carbon benefits, including the use of biomass as a renewable energy source. However, the CPP extends confusion and uncertainty around biomass, prompting forest owners to call on Congress to affirm the carbon benefits of biomass in federal policy.

"The CPP's approach to biomass is out of step with the prevailing view in Congress," said Dave Tenny, NAFO president and CEO. "It seems to disregard the strong bipartisan position of 200 Members of Congress in both the House and Senate urging EPA and other Federal agencies to adopt a clear and simple policy on biomass carbon neutrality. It's time for Congress to step in and affirm the carbon benefits of renewable forest biomass once and for all so forest owners, energy producers and states can have the certainty they need."

The Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA), the Virginia Forestry Association (VFA) and the West Virginia Forestry Association (WVFA) have written together - in the linked communique - to express concern that the discussion in the preamble to the proposed rule in "Sandy Crayfish and the Guyandotte River Crayfish, 80 Fed. Reg. 18710 (April 7, 2015)" relies too heavily on papers with conclusions based on atypical practices or unusual storm events that occurred immediately after harvest. We appreciate the consideration of our respective federal elected officials and thank each of you in advance for your part in helping to correct this situation.

Be sure to stop by the WVFA exhibit at the State Fair in Lewisburg, Aug. 14-23. We believe that you will enjoy seeing one of our 20 volunteers who will "man" the display and be impressed by the improving nature of the exhibit; an effort led by Dan Abston of Plum Creek and our Communications Committee toward branding our logo, themes and slogans.

As previously reported, the Fish & Wildlife Service is expected to finalize its interim 4(d) rule, outlining permissible "incidental takes" of the Northern Long-Eared Bat, soon. WVFA, separately and joining with several other of our forestry and forest products industry association allies, submitted comments in five letters on ways to improve EPA approach to bat concerns and the interim 4(d) rule. We all await release of the final rule.

Both houses of Congress have shown interest in the NLEB, with bills pending to block the "threatened" listing from being upgraded to "endangered" and Appropriations language to accomplish similar objectives. Since the Congressional Appropriations process is currently stalled, we do not expect immediate action on the NLEB when Congress reconvenes in September. However, we will remain close to the process and will engage accordingly as opportunities present themselves.