The Butte County Fire Safe Council and Ecostrat have announced California's inaugural ‘BBB' investment grade rating for the Butte County Biomass-Derived Opportunity (BDO) Zone, covering a 75-mile radius from Oroville, CA.
According to Ecostrat, the ‘BBB' rating signifies strong potential for sustainable biomass feedstock to support new biofuels, renewable chemical, biogas, and biomaterial production facilities. The region's robust supply chain and infrastructure are deemed suitable for the construction and operation of new facilities.
Designated as a Federal Opportunity Zone, Butte County features strategic industrial sites, including a biomass power plant located near a wastewater treatment facility, Sierra Pacific Industries sawmill, a railroad spur, and the Highway 70 Industrial Park—one of Northern California's largest.
“The BDO Zone Rating highlights our community's proactive approach to forest restoration and wildfire management,” said Taylor Nilsson, executive director of the Butte County Fire Safe Council. “We are excited to partner with biobased companies to utilize our abundant, underutilized woody biomass resources, reduce wildfire risk, and create new market opportunities.”
Jordan Solomon, chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative, emphasized the significance of the rating: “As the first BDO Zone Rating for woody biomass in California, this investment-grade rating will pave the way for new sustainable biobased markets and play a vital role in supporting Butte County's efforts to enhance fire safety in the region.”
The ‘BBB' rating is expected to attract investments to Butte County, leveraging its natural resources and strategic location to foster economic growth while addressing environmental challenges.
