Biomass Policy

In addition to strong technical research and deployment activities, effective policy is critical to fostering both supply and demand for bioenergy. There are a variety of Federal and state policies supporting and guiding the development and use of biofuels. These policies range in purpose from directing and funding biofuels research, development, and deployment; to ensuring interagency coordination of biofuels-related efforts; to requiring assessments of existing biofuels policies and programs. Other policies encourage the use of biofuels, or require their production, while still others guide the use of the resources used to produce biofuels. Regardless of the specific purpose, most biofuels-related legislation is directed towards reducing dependence on foreign sources of oil, thereby increasing diversity and security of the nation's energy portfolio.