Biomass energy a sustainable solution for Montana

Gov. Brian Schweitzer is bullish on biomass and that’s a good thing. In announcing release of a study last month on supply of this woody fuel source, the governor pledged to "continue to find ways to use this valuable resource as we manage forests near our towns and reduce the fire threat presented by red trees." The dead trees need to go, especially around urban/wildland interfaces. If they can be put to good use as an energy source, all the better.

Through its "Fuels for Schools and Beyond" http://www.fuelsforschools.info/ program, the state has already helped 10 public schools revamp their heating systems to use wood fuels in place of natural gas or fuel oil. Several of them are in southwest Montana.

Full Story: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2009/06/28/opinion/hjjajdhchgeghd.txt