The biomass industry plays a crucial role in the United States' renewable energy landscape. As a versatile and renewable resource, biomass feedstocks such as sawmill residuals, wood product manufacturing residuals, and roundwood offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Sawmill residuals command the highest price at 45.93 U.S. dollars per ton as of December 2024. This biomass feedstock reached it peak in 2024 in September with a price per ton of 49.33 U.S. dollars. By reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy, this not only helps in mitigating climate change but also provides economic benefits by creating jobs and stimulating rural economies where biomass resources are often sourced. Potential concerns of bioenergy Despite its benefits, the biomass industry faces several challenges and concerns. One major issue is the sustainability of biomass sourcing. Overharvesting of wood resources for biomass can lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity, amongst other negative ecosystem impacts. There are also economic concerns; fluctuations in biomass feedstock prices can affect the viability of biomass energy projects, making them less competitive compared to other renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, and wind. Moreover, the transportation and processing of biomass feedstocks can result in significant carbon emissions, potentially offsetting some of the environmental benefits of using biomass for energy. Policy influence on the U.S. biomass industry U.S. regulatory frameworks significantly influence the biomass industry, shaping its development, viability, and sustainability. Federal and state policies, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), promote the use of biomass as a renewable energy source. These policies often include incentives and subsidies for renewable energy production, encouraging investment and innovation within the bioenergy sector. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) also support research and development efforts, in order to improve biomass conversion technologies and enhance the efficiency of biomass feedstock use. However, such regulatory influence presents the opportunity for changes in policy associated with political cycles to create uncertainty for the biomass industry. As such, ensuring consistent and supportive policies is important to ensure that the biomass industry remains as a sustainable component of the U.S. energy portfolio.