Wood Pellet Production Feeding European Energy Demands, Threatens Southern US Forests

‘Green Loop’ Conceptual Plan at Core of Big Apple Composting

Expanding European Biomass Energy Fuel Demands Impact US Wood Supplies

Challenges, Successes for Mulch & Soil Council

Wood Pellet Production Feeding European Energy Demands, Threatens Southern US Forests
By Todd Williams
Southern US hardwood forests are facing devastation brought on by the insatiable demand for so-called green energy by European biomass-powered energy plants.

Operating on the mistaken assumption that wood pellets are carbon neutral, European regulators are turning a blind eye to the massive takeover of American forests to provide feedstock for giant power plants that are switching from coal to wood-fired generators.

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‘Green Loop’ Conceptual Plan at Core of Big Apple Composting
By P.J. Heller
It isn’t often that words such as “brilliant,” “awesome” and “futuristic” are used to describe a commercial composting manufacturing facility. Nor are words uttered such as “radical,” “loopy” or “half-wacky.”

But that’s exactly the mixed reactions to what can best be described as a novel and unique conceptual idea to provide composting facilities throughout New York City. As envisioned, there would be 10 street-level composting plants topped by elevated public parks spread along the city’s waterfront.

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Expanding European Biomass Energy Fuel Demands Impact US Wood Supplies
By Todd Williams
Spurred on by self-regulation and concerns about climate change, and encouraged by government subsidies, the burgeoning European biomass fuel market is consuming massive amounts of US produced wood pellets, much to the consternation of the domestic mulch and horticulture industries.

And this impact is particularly noteworthy in the US Southeast where the European wood purchases are concentrated and where the US domestic biomass energy demand is growing due to the fact that the 10 largest biomass plants are located in that region, according to industry experts.

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Challenges, Successes for Mulch & Soil Council
By P.J. Heller
Like pioneers trudging their way across the country in covered wagon trains, the soil and mulch industry made slow and steady progress in 2013 but continually had to circle the wagons to fend off attacks from all sides.
Many of the issues faced by the industry in 2013 will continue into the New Year.
Among the most pressing will be maintaining access to raw materials, having access to an open and fair marketplace and differentiating the “good from the bad” operators, according to Robert C. LaGasse, executive director of the Mulch & Soil Council.

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Wood Pellet Production Feeding European Energy Demands, Threatens Southern US Forests

‘Green Loop’ Conceptual Plan at Core of Big Apple Composting

Expanding European Biomass Energy Fuel Demands Impact US Wood Supplies

Challenges, Successes for Mulch & Soil Council

Welcome to Soil & Mulch Producer News

Serving Soil, Mulch, Compost and Biofuels Professionals.

Each edition of Soil & Mulch Producer News provides insight into critical issues facing businesses involved in producing and marketing topsoil, mulch and compost material. Soil & Mulch Producer News also provides updated information about the bio-fuel industry and how this industry impacts the mulch and compost producers throughout North America.

Additionally, our journal provides RSS news feeds from various media sources across the globe, and we regularly profile new equipment and technologies that apply to our readership.