Biomass: From Wildfire Risk to Renewable Resource
"Biomass" is any organic material derived from plants and animals, usually referring to wood, forest debris, agricultural residues, and organic waste. In California's forests, that excess vegetation can fuel devastating wildfires. But that same material contains stored energy that can be converted into valuable fuels and other products.
By transforming hazardous forest biomass into a renewable resource, California has an opportunity to reduce wildfire risks, support healthier forests, create jobs, and advance its climate goals.
Simply put, the same fuel that powers wildfires could power cars, machinery, and other things Californians need.
As an applied-science organization, the Department of Conservation (DOC) is exploring innovative technologies that put this resource to productive use while minimizing environmental impacts.
In 2021, this department ran a pilot program to support the emerging biomass-to-fuels industry. Although budget cuts halted the pilot, early investments supported project development and informed future efforts. They also provided valuable insight into this emerging industry and created the level of expertise in state government necessary to support that industry's framework throughout California's landscape.
Building on this experience, voters approved Proposition 4 providing $50 million for infrastructure that transforms forest biomass into valuable products, supporting California's wildfire resilience, air quality, and climate goals.
