Comment from Shannon Wilks

RE: Docket # APHIS-2007-0027
I would like to submit the following comments in support of Docket # APHIS-2007-
0027, as noted in the Federal Register.
In his 2007 State of the Union address, President Bush set a goal of 35 billion
gallons in alternative fuel consumption by 2017. Both wood and starch-based
biomass will be necessary to meet this target. Biotechnology will provide new
products that will enable the sustainable production of purpose-grown trees in the
Southeastern United States, providing a critical solution for national energy
security and regional economic development:
? The U.S. forest and paper industry contributes more than $230 billion
to the nation?s economy and ranks seventh among U.S. manufacturing sectors,
employing more than one million people with an annual payroll of $50 billion.
? The forest products industry is globally competitive ? the U.S. needs
new technology to compete.
? New tree products will help sustain rural development, local economies
and jobs through dedicated fiber and fuel plantations.
? Fast growing, high-yield wood crops, such as Eucalyptus, are needed
for the U.S. to meet the President?s renewable energy targets and enhance
national energy security. Trees would also provide a non-food source of bioenergy.
? More than 10 years and more than 1 billion acres of biotech crops have
been planted with no negative health or environmental impacts.
In addition to the critical national need for renewable energy, Eucalyptus has a
long history of cultivation in other countries, and based on this we believe that
there is substantial evidence and rationale to support approval of this request to
allow a multi-year field trial of freeze tolerant Eucalyptus.
Sincerely,
Shannon Wilks
International Paper