The Seattle Times editorial board’s concerns about the proposed wood pellet manufacturing plants in Hoquiam and Longview are understandable. Still, the editorial relies on assumptions that risk stalling renewable energy solutions. We must undoubtedly safeguard Washington’s forests, but that includes considering the role that responsibly managed forests and wood products, like wood pellets, can play in transitioning away from fossil fuels. When implemented responsibly, the wood pellet industry can provide an effective solution for using dead and diseased trees and logging residue to produce renewable heat and power for residential, commercial and industrial needs… The board is concerned about the use of old-growth forests to produce wood pellets. However, existing Washington law already excludes old growth as a biomass resource.