§8112. Forest biomass for energy

(a) In general

The Secretary, acting through the Forest Service, shall conduct a competitive research and development program to encourage use of forest biomass for energy.

(b) Eligible entities

Entities eligible to compete under the program under this section include-

(1) the Forest Service (acting through Research and Development);

(2) other Federal agencies;

(3) State and local governments;

(4) Indian tribes;

(5) land-grant colleges and universities; and

(6) private entities.

(c) Priority for project selection

In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that-

(1) develop technology and techniques to use low-value forest biomass, such as byproducts of forest health treatments and hazardous fuels reduction, for the production of energy;

(2) develop processes that integrate production of energy from forest biomass into biorefineries or other existing manufacturing streams;

(3) develop new transportation fuels from forest biomass; and

(4) improve the growth and yield of trees intended for renewable energy production.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title IX, §9012, as added Pub. L. 110–234, title IX, §9001(a), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1331 , and Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title IX, §9001(a), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664 , 2093; amended Pub. L. 112–240, title VII, §701(f)(11), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2366 .)

Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 enacted identical sections. Pub. L. 110–234 was repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Amendments

2013-Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–240 substituted "2013" for "2012".

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–240 effective Sept. 30, 2012, see section 701(j) of Pub. L. 112–240, set out in a 1-Year Extension of Agricultural Programs note under section 8701 of this title.