SAF Letter to New York Times on Biomass Article

“Next ‘Renewable Energy,’ Burning Forests, If Senators Get Their Way”

October 4, 2016

As leaders representing organizations dedicated to ensuring America’s forests are sustainably managed to meet broad societal objectives, we were dismayed with the column by Eduardo Porter featured in the Economy Section in the October 4, 2016 edition.

There is not consensus, as Mr. Porter suggests, about how increased utilization of biomass will influence future atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. These questions remain a source of scientific debate, but there is a convincing body of evidence that supports the utilization of forest biomass as an important contributor to carbon mitigation efforts.   

What is not in dispute is that the greatest contributor to forest area loss in the US is urbanization and development, not demand for wood. We also know that landowners want to keep their forests as forests, and that those who harvest trees do more to support wildlife and other forest benefits than those who don’t. Sustaining existing markets and fostering the creation of new markets help provide incentives for conservation.

Running Mr. Porter’s column in the Economy Section rather than the Opinion Section inaccurately portrayed his column as news rather than as an opinion expressed on a current policy debate.

We respectfully request that a statement clarifying that the views expressed represented those of Mr. Porter or the New York Times be added to an upcoming issue. We also encourage the Editorial Staff to consider inviting submission of a column that explores other considerations on this issue.

Best regards,
  
Matt Menashes
CEO
Society of American Foresters
Bethesda, MD

Tom Martin
President and CEO
American Forest Foundation