While the big federal energy bill--the one that would allow a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions--awaits the denouement of the nation’s attempt at revising the health care system, other energy-related bills sit waiting for their own day in the sun. -S. 636--Biomass, as an after-product of clear cutting or other national forest activity could be considered as “renewable” under federal standards. The bill would also include biomass from tribal lands. -S. 849--This bill directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency staff to study “black carbon.” It would have the government discover where emissions originate and how to reduce resulting climate change effects.
