Pres. Clinton today will sign an executive order that aims to triple by 2010 the amount of biomass energy generated in the U.S. from farm products, crop wastes, and trees. Administration officials note that the effort will help cut the use of fossil fuels and result in $15 billion to $20 billion in additional farm income, helping ensure that agriculture has a place in “the new economy.” The order will also speed efforts to use natural materials in lieu of petroleum to manufacture everything from motor fuels to pharmaceuticals to fabrics. Vice Pres. Al Gore will unveil the new effort in Iowa, with the handy message that the very same state holding the first presidential caucus could reap $2 billion from increased use of biomass products and technologies.
