These power plants operate under strict air quality permits issued by the Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that have set limits that are hundreds and thousands of times below any concentration that could impact human health. These power plants abide by these limits first and foremost because they are committed to the health and wellbeing of their community and the environment.

Emissions from these facilities are controlled with the best technologies available, making them hundreds of times cleaner than the uncontrolled emissions of fireplaces and residential wood-fired boilers that are popular throughout northern Michigan for home heating. Their popularity continues to grow.

The wise use of forest resources — including biomass energy production — not only offsets greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels such as coal, but can improve forest health by removing dead and diseased trees and promoting new growth, which actually improves the the forest's ability to capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Over half of Michigan is forested — an increase of 6 percent over the past 30 years. The forest is a remarkable resource, that with wise use and sustainable management, can provide the raw materials for forest products and energy, and improve recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. Energy production provides good paying jobs, keeps energy dollars in the state and contributes to energy security and reduced emissions from fossil fuels.

With proper policy promoting wise and sustainable use, Michigan's forests will be at the heart of the state's economic and environmental recovery.