Sept. 2, 2010

Oregon wood energy proposal receives local endorsement

KLAMATH FALLS, OR, Sept. 2, 2010 (Press Release) - Projected positive economic impacts and the ability to provide new sustainable energy drove a recent decision by the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce to endorse the construction of a biomass facility near Klamath Falls, OR.

The Klamath Falls Bioenergy LLC has filed a notice of intent with the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council to construct a biomass plant on property formerly used by Weyerhaeuser timber operations. The property is zoned heavy industrial and meets state and local use requirements for such a facility. The state-of-the-art facility will burn wood waste from nearby timberlands to create steam and drive an electricity-producing turbine.

"At this time jobs are a number one priority in rebuilding Klamath's economy" says Chamber Executive Director, Charles Massie. "The Chamber is responsible for helping our membership and local businesses grow and one way we do that is supporting activities that put paychecks in pockets. This project will do that".

The proposed project will employ up to 175 workers in the construction phase and then provide 100 or more permanent family wage jobs to operate and maintain the facility and collect and transport fuel.

"We understand and respect that there are some local concerns about the plant," said Stan Gilbert, Chamber President, "but we are confident the regulatory process will identify and mitigate potential impacts and set operation standards that meet very strict guidelines."

The Klamath Falls Bioenergy plant represents a more than $100 million investment in the Klamath Basin economy. The 35-megawatt (MW) biomass facility will efficiently burn local forest wood waste to produce enough electricity to serve about 35,000 homes. It will also provide true economic stimulus through the direct purchase of local goods and services and the payment of local taxes