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Senate committee adopts SB 407 as amended after debate over biomass 'carbon neutral' language
Summary
The Senate Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development Committee adopted SB 407 as amended after members debated language that calls bioenergy from biomass 'renewable and carbon neutral.' Sponsors said reforestation and forest management practices support neutrality; skeptics noted biomass still produces emissions without sustained regrowth.
Senate Bill 407, a measure to formally recognize bioenergy and expand options for biomass industries in Arkansas, was adopted as amended by the Senate Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development Committee after members questioned language describing biomass energy as "renewable and carbon neutral."
Sponsor Matt McKee, identifying himself to the committee, told members SB 407 "basically just seeks to put Arkansas on record" in a subject the state has not previously regulated and said surrounding states and other countries have taken similar steps. He presented an amendment that committee members described as removing redundant language and correcting spelling; the amendment was adopted by voice vote.
The central…
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