Senate committee adopts SB 407 as amended after debate over biomass 'carbon neutral' language

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 point of debate focused on a clause on page 2, line 33 that reads, in the committee discussion, to classify "bioenergy produced from biomass" as both renewable and carbon neutral. Senator Love asked whether the bill's language was accurate, saying, "biomass ... is renewable, it is not ... carbon neutral," and pressed the sponsor to explain how the bill reaches that conclusion.

McKee and other supporters said the bill treats biomass as carbon neutral only when forestry management and replanting occur. "The only thing that makes this biomass and its power generation possibilities carbon neutral is our reforestation that occurs after harvesting," McKee said, arguing that new growth absorbs emissions produced by burning biomass. He added that Arkansas has "very good management practices" and said neutrality depends on sustained replanting rather than harvesting without regrowth.

Terry Gilmore and Matt Stone (identified in the transcript as the forester at the table) elaborated on "best management practices" used in Arkansas—controlled burning of undergrowth, thinning, and other conservation techniques—and cited industry data to argue the state is expanding fiber capacity. One speaker referenced University of Arkansas Monticello Forestry Department figures, saying the state may increase fiber capacity by about 20,000,000 tons in the year referenced, roughly equivalent to 715,000 loaded log trucks, to support the assertion timber supplies are sufficient.

No members of the public signed up to speak for or against SB 407 during the meeting. After closing remarks, the committee moved to "pass as amended," recorded a second, and approved the measure by voice vote; the transcript records the affirmative "Aye" but does not provide a roll-call tally.

The committee chair then announced that Senator Stone would not present his bill at this time, introduced guests Rick and Rita Dobson of Prairie County (Desark) to the committee, and adjourned the meeting.

What happens next: The transcript records committee approval by voice vote; the record in the legislative clerk's office will show the formal committee action and next procedural steps for SB 407.