Editorial fuels discussion

Thanks to Bert Caldwell for another intelligent editorial – the one on grants provided to Washington State University and the University of Washington to study the potential for silviculture waste-derived biofuels.

The last bio-frenzy in the Northwest was indeed sobering as few anticipated the complex scientific, financial and agronomical challenges – let’s not even get into how the oil industry, elected officials and indignant wingnuts of every stripe behaved.

Real science, real metrics and real management techniques to ensure that our priceless and finite Northwest forests can tolerate unprecedented wood residue removal are crucial. These residues exceed what any forester wants to see and pose risks of devastating fires. And sustainable yield today is a fuzzy idea in economies with almost infinite energy needs – hopefully most should be able to acknowledge global demand, not just domestic consumption. North America’s cheap natural gas is heading to China.

Congratulations to the smart folks at WSU and UW, of course. But maybe this time the media will look at this latest opportunity through a more discerning lens and provide citizens with thoughtful reporting and analysis as the merchants of doubt weigh in.

Having Mr. Caldwell’s good judgment at the ready is reassuring.

Terry Lawhead

Spokane