The 2025 National Wood Pellet Forum

Please join the Rachel Carson Council in Washington, DC for the 2025 National Wood Pellet Forum. We will congregate for a day of events centered on the wood pellet biomass industry and its implications for the health of local communities, forest ecosystems, and the climate. Environmental justice advocates and people concerned with preserving a habitable planet that runs on truly renewable energy alike are welcome to attend – no credentials necessary.  

Convening critical stakeholders, the day-long forum will feature several events, such as keynote speaker addresses, including from RCC President & CEO, Dr. Bob Musil, panel discussions, and plenary sessions. The Forum will provide a space to analyze and strategize on biomass research, advocacy and action, reporting, and policy among the following groups: policymakers in the executive and legislative branches of the US government; leading environmental scientists; biomass community leaders from wood pellet production hotspots in the US, including the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and West Coast; environmental justice and natural resources policy experts; and concerned citizens and students from around the country. 

We will have a select number of UK-based advocates and scientists who will plan to address the UK's relationship to the wood pellet industry with particular attention to Drax’s fuel generation activity in the UK and expanding production activity in the US. 

Info: Directly impacted community leaders will discuss the environmental justice implications of WP industry activity, especially from producer Drax's recent expansion throughout the country. Hear from Anita Cunningham of North Carolina Climate Solutions; Dr. Treva Gear, founder of Concerned Citizens of Cook County (GA); and Portia Shepherd, founder of Blackbelt Women Rising.

Info: Lunch will be catered by the RCC (vegan/vegetarian options provided).

Info: Hear from Andy Wood, conservation biologist and founder of the Coastal Plain Conservancy Group

Info: Hear from Heather Hillaker of the Southern Environmental Law Center; Jenn Mamola of the John Muir Project.

Info: Remarks from Justin Catanoso, accomplished investigative environmental reporter (read his extensive coverage of the wood pellet industry in Mongabay) and Professor of the Practice, Wake Forest University Department of English.

Info: Hear from Jack Spruill, co-founder of the Southern Forests Conservation Coalition and founder of the Spruill Farm Conservation Project; Ann Stewart, veteran of the Department of State and Foreign Service Institute; Toby Aykroyd, Director of Wild Europe; and James Hewitt of Biofuel Watch.

Info: Hear from community leaders, Dr. Krystal Martin, founder of Greater Greener Gloster; Dr. Ruby Bell, Dogwood Alliance; and Brenna Bell (no relation), 350 PDX.

Host or Publisher The Rachel Carson Council