BANGOR DAILY NEWS • July 5, 2025
Biomass is part of the natural carbon cycle, which is why both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Maine Department of Environmental Protection consider it carbon neutral when it comes from sustainably managed forests. As new trees grow, they absorb the carbon released when wood is used as fuel, unlike fossil fuels, which add carbon that had been stored underground for millions of years. Some, like the Environmental Integrity Project, disagree. Their recent report criticizes mills for using forestry leftovers and other fuel [coal, tires and black liquor, a byproduct of the chemical papermaking process] that they claim “can be dirtier than coal.” This is an attack on our heritage. Companies are good stewards of our environment. ~ Krysta West, Maine Forest Products Council