Biomass was originally sold as a source of renewable energy that could help improve U.S. energy security, spur rural economic development, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The industry was intended to increase energy production from non-food feedstocks such as municipal solid waste, perennial grasses, and forest and agriculture residues such as corn stalks and leaves. Federal mandates and subsidies were meant to help get the biomass industry off the ground. However, in practice, U.S. biomass supports have subsidized biofuels and heat/power facilities using feedstocks that do more harm than good for the climate. Biomass programs in the farm bill have subsidized the promotion of wood pellet manufacturing not only for domestic but also international use. Despite decades of billions of dollars in bioenergy subsidies – including those for biomass feedstocks used in biofuels production – the industry has failed to mitigate climate risks while spurring unintended consequences and market distortions.

You can download the full biomass subsidy fact sheet here or read it below.