Abstract
California is seeing longer wildfire seasons, extensive droughts, and a higher tree mortality rate. Wildfires emit air pollutants, mainly particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The purpose of this study is to assess the amount of California's forest biomass that can be utilized for energy production to reduce tree mortality, treat forests, decrease the amount of dead biomass, and reduce the effects of energy centered wildfire mitigation measures chiefly Public Safety Power Shut-offs (PSPS). Wildfires' economic and environmental impacts were analyzed, and the outcome was compared to two different examined scenarios for dead biomass reduction and energy production: Annual Treatment and Forest Restoration (forest thinning) and Aggressive Dead Tree Removal for Biomass Energy. Economically, wildfires cost the state around $4.68 billion annually. However, scenario one brings a $160 million annual surplus, while scenario two costs around $15.1 billion for a period of 25 years. Environmentally, wildfires produce an average of 512 × 106 lbs PM2.5, 604 × 106 lbs PM10, and 5.2 × 1010 lbs CO2 which are significantly greater than those of scenario one (47 lbs PM2.5, 24 lbs PM10, and 3.2 × 1010 lbs CO2) and scenario two (20 lbs PM2.5, 39 lbs PM10, and 2.6 × 1010 lbs CO2). Thus, scenario one is the most economically viable and environmentally sound for policymakers to adopt.