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Though it has been getting more attention lately as a potential ally in the quest for energy independence, biomass facilities have come under fire in recent months.

In Gainesville, Fla., citizens are to stop a at the site of the Gainesville Regional Utilities coal plant. The facility would burn about one million tons of woody biomass per year, using forest residue from nearby forests as well as wood processing residue and wood from municipal waste streams.

Dr. Tom Bussing, a former mayor of Gainesville, said the project should be denied a site certification because of potential negative health impacts from emissions and to prevent deforestation of the nearby forests. Though the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has already issued an air permit for the facility, the group pushing to stop the biomass facility plans to appeal that permit.

I haven’t heard of any biomass projects here in Oregon facing similar legal issues, at least not yet. The debate comes down to whether you believe that biomass burning is carbon neutral. One philosophy is that because forest clippings (fallen tree branches, stumps etc.) will eventually decompose and release carbon dioxide into the air naturally, the carbon dioxide released during burning is similar to the natural cycle. Others believe that biomass emissions are still too dirty, and that increased development of biomass facilities could lead to deforestation.

Where do you stand on this issue?