Environmental and Social Costs of Biomass Energy

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Abstract
Biomass could provide as much as 11% of US energy needs by the year 2000; however, serious environmental and socioeconomic problems associated with biomass energy necessitate careful analysis of the benefits and risks. The environmental problems include: conflicts over land and water resources with agricultural and forestry production; increased soil erosion and nutrient loss; plus higher levels of air pollution. Socioeconomic problems include an increase in occupational injuries and illnesses and a rise in land and farm commodity prices.