Biomass is a renewable energy source because the energy it contains is from the sun. Advancements in recent years have shown that there are more efficient and cleaner ways to use biomass. Biomass energy brings numerous environmental benefits, reducing air and water pollution, increasing soil quality and reducing erosion and improving wildlife habitat. Biomass reduces air pollution by being a part of the carbon cycle, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent. Compared with fossil fuels, sulfur dioxide and other pollutants are also reduced substantially. Water pollution is reduced because fewer fertilizers and pesticides are used to grow energy crops, and erosion is reduced.