More than 400 organisations, businesses and landowners representing the US forestry sector have called on Donald Trump to take urgent action to support the industry amid widespread mill closures, natural disasters, pests, diseases and challenging foreign trade conditions.
The coalition, including the American Biomass Energy Association and the Pellet Fuels Institute, sent a letter on 8 September warning that these pressures are forcing many landowners to abandon forestry.
They stressed that the loss or conversion of forests would have serious consequences for timber supply, housing, infrastructure, consumer products, renewable energy, rural livelihoods and environmental security.
“This is not just a regional issue - it is a national crisis,” the groups said. “Strong working forests are vital to America’s economic strength. With decisive action, we can keep landowners on their land, support mill workers, and create new jobs through expanded markets for wood products, renewable energy and biobased manufacturing.”
The letter outlines four immediate measures the administration could take to stimulate job creation and economic growth. Among these is promoting the use of biomass for electricity and broadening the definition of qualifying wood biomass under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
“Using biomass to generate electricity for homes and industry would reduce wildfire risks, support the wood products supply chain, and create employment in power production and mill towns,” the groups wrote. “Expanding biomass markets would also open opportunities for other agricultural products, strengthening rural economies and benefiting both farmers and forest owners.”
On the RFS, the coalition urged clarification and expansion of the definition of woody biomass so that small trees, harvest residues and mill by-products could be converted into transport fuels for aviation, shipping and other applications.
They argued that this would create new markets for low-value wood, improve forest health, reduce wildfire hazards and boost rural economies while increasing domestic energy production.
The letter further urged Trump to back the Disaster Reforestation Act and the Loggers Economic Assistance Act, describing private forests as a 'strategic asset' crucial to national economic security.
“America’s private forests supply raw materials for housing, infrastructure, consumer products and renewable energy, while supporting millions of jobs,” the groups stated.
“Without decisive measures, this foundation of the economy and national security is at risk. Advancing these initiatives would help ensure forests remain resilient and continue to drive job creation, economic growth, and prosperity in rural communities.”
Forestry groups urge Trump to boost biomass and expand wood fuel definition
