Mill closures, indefinite shutdowns, curtailments and a general downsizing of key sectors of the forest products industry— such is today's reality. But it is only half the story. In the not too distant future, developing new technologies could put the industry at the center of an emerging 'green' economy. Bolstered by government and venture capitalist funding, and fueled by soaring oil prices, now approaching 100 dollar a barrel, the need to restore energy self-sufficiency in the U.S., and growing concern for the impact of fossil-based sources on climate and environment, researchers and process engineers are on the brink of commercializing cellulose-based biofuels.
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