Coconino News

In Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, local innovators will convert 'liability biomass' into value-added resources that fight the climate crisis by removing carbon from the air. A coalition of Western U.S. cities and counties awarded $335,000 to four projects designed to combat climate change and reduce wildfire risks by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

These projects will convert waste such as forest debris, yard scraps, and biosolids into valuable products, with three of the four projects also reducing local wildfire risk. Experts carefully selected these projects after reviewing them for their potential to address environmental issues both locally and globally.

The 4 Corners Carbon Coalition, comprising Albuquerque (New Mexico), Boulder County (Colorado), Flagstaff (Arizona), Santa Fe (New Mexico), and Salt Lake City (Utah), has awarded $335,000 to four projects aimed at combating climate change and reducing wildfire risks through innovative carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches. These initiatives will transform organic waste into practical resources like biochar.

The coalition received nearly $2.15 million in funding requests through a competitive application process. After a two-month review period, four organizations were chosen for grants: Bioforcetech Inc., Carba Inc., Gila WoodNet, and Wood Cache PBC. The selection was guided by experts from institutions including the Ecological Restoration Institute at Northern Arizona University, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, RMI, and the Yale Carbon Containment Lab.

This funding round supports initiatives that integrate CDR into community waste management practices by transforming liability biomass—potentially flammable or dangerous materials such as forest debris, yard waste, and municipal organic waste—into market-friendly commodities. These projects aim to draw down atmospheric carbon dioxide while demonstrating scalable carbon management strategies.

The theme of liability biomass resonated strongly with all coalition communities due to increasing wildfire destructiveness in the American West. Both Colorado and New Mexico have experienced their most destructive fires in recent years. The 2021 Marshall Fire in Boulder County destroyed 1,000 homes on New Year's Eve, while the 2022 Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire destroyed over 903 structures east of Santa Fe.

"Wildfire prevention is crucial as we address the broader climate crisis," said Susie Strife, Boulder County director of climate action. "These projects represent a significant step forward."

"This year’s focus on liability biomass has sparked some truly groundbreaking ideas," said Nicole Antonopoulos, City of Flagstaff sustainability director.

"Managing the Rio Grande Bosque by addressing liability biomass is vitally important," said Ann Simon, City of Albuquerque sustainability officer.

"Protecting air quality is a top priority," said Peter Nelson from Salt Lake City's sustainability department.

Selected Projects:

- **Bioforcetech Inc., Biochar to Asphalt and Concrete**: $50,000 - Boulder CO & Flagstaff AZ

- **Carba Inc., Landfill Biochar Burial**: $50,000 - Boulder CO & Flagstaff AZ

- **Gila WoodNet**, Biomass to Energy and Biochar: $145,000 - Boulder CO & Silver City NM

- **Wood Cache PBC**, Woody Biomass Storage: $90,000 - Boulder CO; Huerfano County CO; Provo UT

About the 4 Corners Carbon Coalition:

The coalition pools resources to accelerate community-based CDR project deployment and business development. Members include Albuquerque NM; Boulder County CO; Flagstaff AZ; Salt Lake City UT; Santa Fe NM.

For more information about previous and future initiatives visit [www.4cornerscarbon.org](http://www.4cornerscarbon.org).

Media Contacts:

- Christian Herrmann: cherrmann@bouldercounty.gov

- Maia Rodriguez: maiarodriguez@cabq.gov

- Nicole Antonopoulos: nantonopoulos@flagstaffaz.gov

- Peter Nelson: peter.nelson@slc.gov