BTEC News

April 8, 2009

Christopher Recchia Joins Biomass Thermal Energy Council Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, April 8 - 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.

"We are very pleased to have someone with Chris's background and experience serving on our Board of Directors. His leadership of the non-profit BERC is helping pave the way for biomass thermal energy in America." said Jeffrey Serfass, Executive Director of the Biomass Thermal Energy Council. "His efforts are well-aligned with the mission of BTEC." 

Recchia was named Executive Director of BERC in May of 2007. He has more than 22 years of experience as an environmental leader, developer of state and federal environmental policy and implementer of programs which manage air, land, and water resources. Recchia came to BERC after a four-year tenure as Executive Director of the Ozone Transport Commission in Washington, DC, where he directed a commission of 12 mid-Atlantic and northeastern states and the District of Columbia to coordinate air pollution reduction programs and policy.  He also served as Vermont's Commissioner of Environmental Conservation from 2000-2003.
 
"I'm honored to be given the opportunity to serve on BTEC's Board of Directors," said Recchia. "I look forward to working with BTEC to advance the use of sustainable biomass for the heating and cooling needs of our institutions, industries and residences.  Through this effort, we have a real opportunity to replace a significant portion of the petroleum used to create thermal energy with sustainable biomass resources, creating a more secure energy future for the U.S."

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About the Biomass Thermal Energy Council
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing the use of biomass for heat and other thermal energy applications. BTEC is an association of biomass fuel producers, appliance manufacturers and distributors, supply chain companies and non-profit organizations that view biomass thermal energy as a renewable, responsible, clean and energy-efficient pathway to meeting America's energy needs. BTEC engages in research, education, and public advocacy for the fast growing biomass thermal energy industry.  www.biomassthermal.org

About the Biomass Energy Resource Center
The Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC) is an independent, national nonprofit organization located in Montpelier, Vermont and Madison, Wisconsin which assists communities, colleges and universities, state and local governments, businesses, utilities, schools, and others in making the most of their local energy resources. BERC's mission is to achieve a healthier environment, strengthen local economies, and increase energy security across the United States through the development of sustainable biomass energy systems at the community level. www.biomasscenter.org