Chesapeake Bay Cellulosic Biofuels Listening Sessions

The Chesapeake Cellulosic Biofuels Project is hosting listening sessions this month. These sessions are being held to solicit stakeholder recommendations for the development of a “Roadmap” for guiding the evolution of next generation biofuels in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The comments and recommendations that are offered at these sessions will be shared with the Panel that is currently exploring the production and use of next generation cellulosic feedstocks for biofuels development in the Chesapeake Bay region. The Panel’s findings and recommendations will be released in early September and forwarded to the Chesapeake Executive Council for its consideration.

Our vision is that the Chesapeake Bay region can lead the nation in the transition to cellulosic biofuel production. If developed correctly, the production of renewable fuels from feedstocks grown and harvested in the region can produce significant economic and environmental benefits. If developed incorrectly, the emergence of a major biofuels industry in the region could degrade soil, water and air quality and wildlife habitat and deliver additional pollutant loadings to the Bay. Our effort is focused on supporting biofuel development so that it benefits our farms, forests and the Chesapeake.

Below are the dates and locations of the four listening sessions they are holding over the next two weeks.

Tuesday, May 13 Harrisburg, PA 1-4 P.M.

Wednesday, May 14 Charlottesville, VA 1-4 P.M.

Tuesday, May 20 Frederick, MD 1-4 P.M.

Thursday, May 22 Centreville, MD 1-4 P.M.

We hope to see you and one of the upcoming sessions and we look forward to receiving your recommendations for how biofuel development in the watershed can be best supported. Thank you again for considering this opportunity to help both the Bay and our emerging biofuels industry.

Sincerely,
Delegate Jim Hubbard, Chairman
Chesapeake Bay Cellulosic Biofuels Panel