What is the official ID of this bill?
The official print number for this legislation is S 4153.
EPA Must Assess Full Emissions and Community Impact of Forest Biomass Energy.
This law requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fully assess the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from burning forest biomass for electricity when developing new regulations. Crucially, it mandates a comprehensive study to evaluate the impact of the biomass industry—including noise, dust, and air pollution—on the health and living conditions of communities located near processing facilities and harvesting areas. This aims to increase transparency regarding environmental costs and protect public health in affected neighborhoods.
Key points
New Emissions Accounting: EPA must now calculate the total lifecycle greenhouse gas impact of using wood for electricity, potentially leading to stricter environmental rules for power generation.
Mandatory Community Health Study: A required study will investigate how pollution (dust, noise, air toxins) from wood pellet mills and logging operations affects the health and socioeconomic status of nearby residents.
Focus on Environmental Justice: The study specifically requires collecting data on the race and socioeconomic status of impacted populations to address environmental inequalities.
Status:
Expired
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