Journal of Forest Economics > Vol 19 > Issue 4

A multi-sector intertemporal optimization approach to assess the GHG implications of U.S. forest and agricultural biomass electricity expansion

Gregory S. Latta, Oregon State University, Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, USA, greg.latta@oregonstate.edu , Justin S. Baker, Research Triangle Institute, Agricultural, Resource & Energy Economics and Policy Program, USA, Robert H. Beach, Research Triangle Institute, Agricultural, Resource & Energy Economics and Policy Program, USA, Steven K. Rose, Electric Power Research Institute, Energy and Environmental Analysis Research Group, USA, Bruce A. McCarl, Texas A&M University, Department of Agricultural Economics, USA
 
Suggested Citation
Gregory S. Latta, Justin S. Baker, Robert H. Beach, Steven K. Rose and Bruce A. McCarl (2013), "A multi-sector intertemporal optimization approach to assess the GHG implications of U.S. forest and agricultural biomass electricity expansion", Journal of Forest Economics: Vol. 19: No. 4, pp 361-383. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfe.2013.05.003

Publication Date: 0/12/2013
© 0 2013 Gregory S. Latta, Justin S. Baker, Robert H. Beach, Steven K. Rose, Bruce A. McCarl
 
Subjects
 
Keywords
JEL Codes:C61Q23Q42Q58
Renewable electricityBioenergy Forest sector modelingLand-use change
 

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In this article:
Introduction 
Literature review 
Methods 
Scenarios 
Results 
Discussion 
Conclusion 

Abstract

This study applies an intertemporal partial equilibrium model of the U.S. Forest and Agricultural sectors to assess the market, land use, and greenhouse gas (GHG) implications of biomass electricity expansion. Results show how intertemporal optimization procedures can yield different biomass feedstock portfolios and GHG performance metrics at different points in time. We examine the implications of restricting feedstock eligibility, land use change, and commodity substitution to put our results in the context of previous forest-only modeling efforts. Our results highlight the importance of dynamic considerations and forest and agricultural sector interactions on projecting the GHG effects of biomass electricity expansion in the U.S.

DOI:10.1016/j.jfe.2013.05.003