MFPA Final Legislative Report

The 2007 legislative session did not result in new legislation or funding that would directly benefit our industry,  however, we did lay the groundwork for legislation that will hopefully pass in 2008.  We feel that legislation to include biomass feedstocks into the ethanol incentive fund will likely pass in 2008.  And the General Assembly will help fund a study to determine the economic feasibility of small diameter tree harvest for biomass fuel markets in 2008.  Both as a result of our work in the 2007 session.  We also participated in many committee meetings on legislation that would impact our industry in various ways.  For example, testifying before committees regarding the Wood Energy Tax Credit, Missouri’s Treated Timber Law, Odor Regulations, and Water Quality.  Other legislative activity included:

Lobbied to include biomass in “Ethanol Incentive Fund Bill”

Lobbied for funding to study small diameter utilization

Hosted legislative reception for MFPA membership

Hosted legislative meeting to present biomass information

Worked with Missouri Department of Conservation to consider stewardship contracting and promote management of public land.

Worked with Missouri Department of Agriculture and Missouri Department of Economic Development on developing exporting opportunities

Assisted members with air and water permits

Assisted members with notices of violations with the state

Served on  Governor’s Advisory Council on Agriculture

Testified at Missouri Air Conservation Commission to maintain charcoal exemption

Served on “Wood to Energy” Project Committee

Served on “Energy Leadership Council”

Served on “Missouri Forest Resources Council”

Served on Governor’s “Feral Hog Task Force”

Served on “BMP’s for Woody Biomass Harvesting Technical Committee”

Department of Economic Development report on “Economic Impacts of Missouri’s Forest Products Industry”