Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire Friday signed a measure to promote aviation biofuel production from wood waste and mill residue.

“We have an opportunity to bring our timber heritage and our aviation industry together to contribute to a more sustainable energy future,” Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark said in a news release. “Instead of burning slash piles in the woods, we will be putting biomass to a higher and better use, while continuing to protect ecological health.”

The new law authorizes Goldmark’s agency, the state Department of Natural Resources, to work with the Department of Commerce, Washington State University and the University of Washington on a demonstration project for the concept.

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