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BTEC News
Playtime is Over: Why September Means Biomass Advocacy or the Consequences of Inaction
By Joseph Seymour, Featured in Biomass Magazine September Issue
September 2, 2010
For biomass stakeholders, Labor Day means two things: the beginning of the heating season and the end of the U.S. Congress' August recess. Congress' return to Washington signals the final opportunity to pass much-needed biomass thermal incentives and programs. These bills could dramatically grow the market for biomass fuels and appliances. Despite broad energy legislation dominating headlines, an array of targeted biomass thermal initiatives is just below the surface, awaiting the right political support and timing. Read More >>
Biomass Thermal Energy Council Commends Legislators for Introduction of Thermal Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act
Bipartisan collection of Senators and Representatives introduce legislation to incentivize renewable thermal energy
July 22, 2010
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2010 - The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) extends its praise to Sens. Al Franken (D-MN.) and Kit Bond (R-MO.) and Reps. Betty McCollum (D-MN.), Jay Inslee (D-WA.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) for introducing the Thermal Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act of 2010 in the U.S Senate and House of Representatives (S. 3626 and H.R. 5805, respectively). The legislation would assist in developing renewable heating and cooling projects nationwide. Read More >>
BTEC Submits Comments on Proposed EPA Area Source Boiler Rule
July 16, 2010
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a Proposed Rule for Area Source Boilers that threatens to severely curtail the future growth of the biomass thermal industry and place prohibitively expensive emissions requirements on existing equipment. A working group of BTEC members has spent a considerable amount of effort in developing BTEC's public comments, which can be found at the following link. EPA is inviting additional public comments on the proposed rule until August 3, 2010.
Read More >>
Proposed EPA Emissions Rules Threaten to Send Biomass Heating Industry Up in Smoke
Published in Biomass Magazine July 2010 Issue
June 22, 2010
The proposed regulations would impact existing and new commercial, industrial and institutional boilers burning coal, oil and biomass. BTEC sympathizes with the need to decrease emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) and believes the best way to achieve this is through the application of practical performance testing and maintenance regimes that achieve significant emissions reductions without burdening boiler owners, especially small-scale ones, with onerous compliance costs. Read More >>
Massachusetts Study Recognizes Significant Benefits of Biomass Thermal Energy
Carbon accounting framework in report presents new theories that require more review
June 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, June 21 - Biomass Sustainability and Carbon Policy Study, a recently released report commissioned by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (MA DOER) and authored by the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences, affirms the environmental benefits of using biomass for thermal energy. Read More >>
Bioenergy Associations Join Call for Shift in Energy Policy and Investment in Clean Energy Technologies
June 18, 2010
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) and the American Biogas Council (ABC) issued a statement supporting the President Obama's recent remarks and the American Energy Innovation Council's call to dramatically increase U.S. investments in clean energy technologies. More Info >>
Heating the Northeast with Renewable Biomass: A Vision for 2025
June 10, 2010
The Northeastern U.S. region is heavily dependent on fossil fuels to provide thermal energy for space heating, hot water and industrial process heat. In 2007, the Northeastern U.S. (defined as the six New England states and New York) consumed 2.09 quadrillion Btu of thermal energy. This amount, 96 percent of which is generated from nonrenewable sources, represents more than one-third of the region’s total energy consumption. Read More >>
Biomass Thermal Energy Council Applauds Senators for Action on Renewable Heating
Senators Shaheen, Murkowski, Crapo, and Begich Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Market Incentive for Biomass Heating Systems in Commercial and Industrial Installations
April 9, 2010
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council strongly supports Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Mark Begich (D-AK) for introducing a bill that would help businesses across the country meet their heating needs with renewable biomass. More Info >>
Plum Creek Joins Biomass Thermal Energy Council as Sustaining Member
Director of Renewable Resources Mike Jostrom Joins the BTEC Board of Director
April 6, 2010
Plum Creek, the largest and most geographically diverse private landowner in the United States, joined BTEC today as a Sustaining Member. Plum Creek manages approximately 7 million acres of timberlands in major timber producing regions of the United States and wood products manufacturing facilities in the Northwest. More Info >>
BTEC Submits Comments on Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) Proposed Rule
April 1, 2010
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) today submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the draft regulations for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). Read More >>
Biomass for Heat: The Forgotten Renewable?
Biomass Magazine Article features BTEC
March 28, 2010
Widespread use of biomass for heat in the U.S. would reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decrease our
dependence on foreign fossil fuels and create jobs in rural communities hardest hit by the recession. And yet,
despite these benefits, biomass thermal energy has been largely overlooked in the discussion on how to address
America’s energy challenges. Read More >>
Seminar on Bioenergy with BTEC Director Albrecht von Sydow - March 24, 2010
“Bio-Energy in the US” – A platform for constructive dialog between American and German industry representatives
March 16, 2010
At the seminar “Bio-Energy in the US” on March 24, 2010 in Berlin, Germany (EU), the GADORE Center USA will offer German companies the opportunity to talk directly to representatives from the US about market opportunities for green technologies there. BTEC Director Albrecht von Sydow will highlight the Biomass Thermal Energy industry and represent BTEC. More Info >>
See Seminar Agenda >>
Draft Version of Home Star Program Released
Energy efficiency and home owner rebate program includes biomass heating appliances
March 3, 2010
Today the U.S. Senate released a draft version of Home Star, a legislative proposal designed to create jobs by providing short-term incentives for residential energy efficiency improvements. In this proposal is a rebate covering 50% of the cost (up to $1,000) of the purchase and installation of a highly-efficient biomass stove or boiler. More Info >>
Heating the Northeast With Renewable Biomass: Pellets, Wood, Grasses and More (April 27-28, 2010)
February 22, 2010
MANCHESTER, N.H., Feb 22, 2010 -- Seven leading environmental and energy-focused non-profit groups announce the date for the second-annual Heating the Northeast with Renewable Biomass Conference and vendor fair on April 27 and 28 in Manchester, NH.
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council, Alliance for Green Heat, New York Biomass Energy Alliance, Biomass Energy Resource Center, Maine Pellet Fuels Association, Pellet Fuels Institute and Clean Air Cool Planet, are hosting the event, which addresses using biomass to heat homes and businesses to offset fossil fuel usage.
View Full Release >>
Biomass Thermal Session at RETECH 2010 Conference: Presentations Available
February 8, 2010
BTEC organized a biomass thermal energy panel session for the recent Renewable Energy Technology Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C. Session speakers: Jeff Serfass, BTEC Executive Director; Bruce Lisle, Founder and Retired CEO, Energex Pellet Fuel; Dan Henry, Vice President and Chief CTO, Hearth and Home Technologies; and Jon Strimling, Founder/President of WoodPellets.com.
View Presentations >>
BTEC Welcomes New Directors: Mark Lay and Lisa Rockefeller
February 4, 2010
At the February 4 Board meeting, two individuals were welcomed onto BTEC’s Board of Directors. Mark Lay, Director of Renewables for Gavilon, was appointed to fill the Supply Chain Board seat vacancy. Lisa Rockefeller, Director of Public Affairs for WoodPellets.com, was appointed by Jon Strimling, President of WoodPellets.com, to replace him on the Board of Directors.
Congratulations Mark and Lisa!
Christiane Egger presents at BTEC Board Meeting
Shares story of the Austrian biomass heating market
February 4, 2010
Christiane Egger, Deputy Manager of the Upper Austria Renewable Energy Agency, gave a presentation at the recent BTEC Board meeting on the development of the biomass thermal industry in her home state in Austria. There are many lessons the U.S. can learn from this state in Austria that is home to over 35,000 biomass heating installations and 270 biomass district heating plants. View Presentation >>
Biomass Thermal Energy Council Kicks Off New Year with 76 Founding Members
January 14, 2010
In January 2009, eight companies came together to form BTEC. Just one year later, the association ended its Founding Member period with 76 Founding Members in 26 States and 4 Countries. BTEC thanks all of its Founding Members for their support.
Learn About Membership>>
View Member List>>
BTEC's First Annual Membership Meeting: Presentations and Video Now Available
November 24, 2009
On November 18, BTEC's membership meeting was held simultaneously in Washington, D.C. and online via webinar. Over half of BTEC’s members were in attendance—an outstanding turnout for a first annual meeting. View Videos and Presentations >>
Biomass Thermal Energy Policy Briefing a Success
Policymakers Learn the Benefits of Biomass Thermal Energy Policy From Industry Leaders
November 16, 2009
On November 6, the Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC), the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI), and the Alliance for Green Heat co-hosted a Congressional briefing on the benefits and viability of biomass thermal energy.
The briefing addressed a standing room only audience of individuals interested in biomass energy, including representatives from 16 congressional offices, two Senate committees and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. View Presentations >>
Biomass Thermal Heats Up
Biomass thermal industry and BTEC Chairman featured on Inside Renewable Energy Podcast
October 9, 2009
Inside Renewable Energy, a weekly audio news program featuring stories and interviews on the latest developments in the renewable energy industries, recently produced a podcast on the biomass thermal industry in the United States. Podcast features BTEC Chairman Charlie Niebling and his company, New England Wood Pellet. Read the article >>
BTEC's Accomplishments and Goals for 2010 Are Featured In Bioenergy International
October 6, 2009
Click here to view PDF >>
BTEC Forms Partnership with Bioenergy International
Members receive 40% discount to magazine subscription
July 23, 2009
Today, BTEC and Bioenergy International, a leading biomass publication with worldwide distribution, formed a media partnership agreement. As a part of this partnership, all BTEC members will receive a 40% discount off of subscriptions to Bioenergy International. BTEC will also receive free publication space in each issue of the magazine. More information coming soon, but please contact us if you are interested in receiving a discounted subscription to the magazine.
Visit Bioenergy International online: www.bioenergyinternational.com
RenewableEnergyWorld.com and BTEC Form Media Partnership
July 23, 2009
This partnership with RenewableEnergyWorld.com, "The World's #1 Renewable Energy Website", will allow BTEC to distribute its press releases and other materials to a broad audience interested in renewable energy. By partnering with REW, BTEC will be able to better promote its activities and the activities of its members.
Biomass Thermal Energy Council Achieves Milestone
BTEC closes its Founding Member period with 57 members
July 20, 2009
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC), a non-profit association dedicated to advancing the use of biomass for heat and other thermal energy applications, would like to thank all of its Founding Members for helping build this new organization. Formed in January 2009, BTEC ended its Founding Member period last week with 57 members in 24 U.S. states and four countries.
More >>
A Response from the Pellet Fuels Institute to BTEC's Letter to PFI
June 22, 2009
By Scott Jacobs, President of PFI
I am writing to you on behalf of the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI), a non-profit trade
association based in Arlington, Virginia, comprised of fuel (densified biomass)
manufacturers and equipment suppliers from North America and beyond. More >>
RISI and BTEC Form Partnership
May 28, 2009
By Lisa Gibson, Biomass Magazine
A new partnership between RISI and the Biomass Thermal Energy Council will allow BTEC members to contribute to RISI’s Wood Biomass Market Report, a comprehensive source of market information and wood biomass feedstock pricing in North America. More >>
Biomass Thermal Energy Council Hails Introduction of Renewable Energy Alternative Production Act (REAP Act)
May 21, 2009
WASHINGTON, May 21 - The Biomass Thermal Energy Council applauds Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) for introducing on May 20th the Renewable Energy Alternative Production Act (S.1094). Also known as the REAP Act, this legislation would amend Section 45 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow production tax credits for non-electric renewable energy. More >>
BTEC to Exhibit in Congressional Renewable Energy Expo on May 14
May 6, 2009
The Sustainable Energy Coalition, in cooperation with Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, is hosting the 12th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Expo and Forum on May 14, 2009 in the Cannon Caucus Room.
BTEC will be joining nearly fifty businesses, trade associations, government agencies, and energy policy research organizations as exhibitors at the Expo. More >>
Christopher Recchia Joins Biomass Thermal Energy Council Board of Directors
April 8, 2009
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) today announced that Christopher Recchia, Executive Director of the Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC), has been elected to the Board of Directors. Recchia brings to the Board deep experience in environmental conservation and a broad understanding of the impact that biomass thermal energy can have on reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy security. More >>
A letter to members of the Pellet Fuels Institute
March 31, 2009
By Charlie Niebling, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Biomass Thermal Energy Council
I would like to take the opportunity to introduce to you a newly founded industry organization, the Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC). The fact that some of its constituents are also members of the PFI has created confusion with respect to the goals and directions this new organization will take, which I would like to clarify. More >>
BTEC exhibit at RETECH 2009 a success
March 10, 2009
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council was officially introduced to the renewable energy community through its exhibition at the Renewable Energy Technology Conference and Expo (RETECH) 2009 in Las Vegas, NV. More >>
Nine leading biomass companies form Biomass Thermal Energy Council
March 10, 2009
A group of nine leading biomass companies has formed the Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC), a non-profit association dedicated to advancing the use of biomass for heat and other thermal energy applications. More >>
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