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House Bill 2084 (“H.B. 2084”) was introduced into the Oklahoma legislature which is focused on the development and implementation of programs to promote the use of “biomass” in Oklahoma.

This legislation is denominated the:

Oklahoma Woody Biomass Energy Initiative Act of 2019 (“Act”)

Biomass is defined in the Act as organic material that is available on a renewable or recurring basis. Listed in the definition are a number of materials that are stated to be included such as thinnings or invasive species from the National Forest System land, as further defined, along with plant material from non-federal land, agricultural commodities, other plants and trees, and algae. Also referenced are residual material such as crop residue, animal waste and byproducts, gas derived from the biodegradation of solid waste, and the organic portion of municipal solid materials.

“Woody biomass” is stated to include:

. . . material derived from trees, shrubs, bushes, grasses, including switchgrass, or products made from woody plants.

A key component of the Act is the formation of a Woody Biomass Initiative Council (“Council”).

The attributes of woody biomass and its role in reduction of energy costs along with the available supply are addressed. An activity by the Council will include development of an “Oklahoma Renewable Woody Biomass Energy Usage Plan.”

A copy of the Act can be found here.