Energy Northwest, a non-for-profit agency that provides 1,300 megawatts of non-fossil fuel energy to 24 public power utilities and municipalities in the Northwest, has added biomass to their mix of nuclear, hydro, solar, and wind energy.  They signed an agreement with ADAGE, a joint venture between AREVA of France and Duke Energy to construct biomass power plants in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon.  ADAGE will be working with local communities to explore potential development sites.  Biomass plants utilize tree trimmings and damaged trees as well as residual wood waste from our forest floors.

Obtaining the woody biomass provides jobs for rural folks and stock for either direct fuel or, in this case, power generation.  It is considered renewable, carbon-neutral fuel. 

It would be great if local companies could get in on the action and complete the cycle of local goodness.