Introduction and overview

Forests are the dominant land use in the Northeast United States, and as such are of significant interest as a source of fuel to meet energy needs in a sustainable, renewable manner. Unlike fossil fuels which are often shipped thousands of miles from source to use, the production of forest bioenergy is often a much more local concern. The biogeographic setting determines growth rates and in turn the sustainable supply of a feedstock. Local and regional economics have a greater influence on forest biomass prices than do the global markets which dictate the prices of fossil fuels such as oil. Local climate influences the quantity and type of bioenergy best suited for heating and cooling applications. Even at the policy level, a patchwork of municipal and state policies promotes, retards, or regulates forest bioenergy. This chapter provides an introduction to the ecological, social, and economic context for forest bioenergy in the Northeast.