Economic impacts associated with biomass use in Georgia

This thesis is an economic impact analysis of biomass use in the state of Georgia. Biomass is commonly used by businesses in the forest products industry to produce energy. Though biomass can be such agricultural byproducts as poultry litter, pecan and peanut hulls, and gin trash, in this thesis it is largely wood waste generated by forest products businesses. A survey is used to collect economic data of this industrial activity and employs IMPLANs input-output model to estimate economic impacts on Georgias economy. Throughout the states economy, biomass use generates more than $356 million and $216 million in output (sales) and total value added, respectively, while creating more than 2,100 jobs. Until now, these economic contributions to Georgias economy have been unknown. As concerns over fossil fuel dependency reach new highs, economic studies along alternative energy topics such as this one will become increasingly important.