Forest pests and wood pellets: A literature review of the opportunities and risks in the United States’ northeastern forests

•Wood pellets are a phytosanitary (or pest-free) product, similar to particle board.•Phytosanitation has not been assessed in pellet feedstock supply chains in the US.•Risks can be lowered through monitoring, on-site comminution, & local processing.•Action is needed to avoid pest transmission in pellet feedstock transportation.