Placer County received an “A” rating in a Biofuel Development Opportunity Zone (BDOZ) study released to the board Oct. 7, a consultant‑driven, investment‑style analysis of biomass availability and the region’s readiness to host bioenergy, biochar or bioproduct facilities using forest‑restoration material.

EcoStrat USA, the consultant, presented the report at the board’s request as part of a three‑county Tahoe‑Central Sierra biomass aggregation pilot (Placer, El Dorado, Nevada counties). The BDOZ rating assigns a numeric score out of 100 based on feedstock volume, logistics, existing mill capacity, quality and permitting risk; Placer County’s score places it among the higher rated regions nationwide for attracting private bioeconomy investment, the consultant said.

The report identified an estimated 76,000 bone‑dry tons (BDT) of local forest fuel feedstock and additional higher‑risk volumes in the broader region. EcoStrat noted local strengths — proximity to material, low competition for leftover slash and piled biomass, existing grinding/logistics equipment, and potential synergies with projects such as PCWA’s interest in using biomass for energy at water facilities. The audit highlighted challenges that influence investor risk: comparatively limited existing sawmill capacity in the immediate region (fewer permanent mills than some other top BDOZ communities), variable feedstock quality from restoration and salvage operations, and relatively high labor and living costs.

EcoStrat said the BDOZ rating is designed to be an investor brief: it documents feedstock, price ranges and permitting/environmental issues and is used to promote the region through a marketing program (webinars, targeted outreach to investors and developer networks). The county asked consultants to proceed to a promotion phase (press release, BDOZ‑connect webinars) to publicize the A‑rating and attract developers. Board members asked about what would be needed to move from an A to AA rating; EcoStrat answered that stronger, durable local forest‑industry infrastructure (more sawmill and processing capacity) and multi‑year feedstock contracts would reduce investor risk and improve the rating.

Supervisors voted to accept the report and directed staff to use the BDOZ rating with the county’s economic development office to market the area for private investment.