Federal Climate Change Legislation

BTEC supports the passage of federal climate change legislation that recognizes the enormous potential of carbon-neutral biomass thermal energy to offset the greenhouse gas emissions of fossil fuel based-heating systems. By improving the management of existing forests and plantations, and by growing new trees and plants, some biomass energy projects will create additional carbon stocks--going beyond carbon neutral to carbon beneficial.

Because of this potential to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but to also improve the environment’s ability to sequester carbon, biomass thermal energy projects should qualify for carbon offsets under a cap-and-trade system.

Active Legislation:

H.R 2454: American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009
Sponsor: Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA)

Summary:

• Comprehensive climate bill in the House of Representatives
• Not yet clear how a cap-and-trade system under the bill would affect biomass thermal

Bill Full-Text: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2454

S. 1733: Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act
Sponsor: Sen. John Kerry (D-MA)

Summary:

• Comprehensive climate bill in the Senate
• Not yet clear how a cap-and-trade system under the bill would affect biomass thermal

 Bill Full-Text: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-1733