BTEC News

May 21, 2009

Biomass Thermal Energy Council Hails Introduction of Renewable Energy Alternative Production Act (REAP Act)

Congressional bill would create new federal tax incentives for the use of renewable energy in forms other than electricity production

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.

“Electricity is only one piece of the energy puzzle,” said Jeffrey Serfass, Executive Director of the Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC). “We commend Senator Wyden’s leadership in recognizing the importance of addressing every element of our nation’s energy portfolio. It represents a major step forward in BTEC’s efforts to gain equal consideration for renewable thermal energy with policies already established to encourage renewable electricity and biofuels.”

Thermal energy accounts for roughly one-third of the energy used today in the United States.  Renewable biomass resources can help meet the demand for thermal energy by providing heating for businesses and homes as well as heat for industrial processes. By amending the existing tax credits to include non-electric forms of renewable energy, the REAP Act would incentivize the production of biomass for thermal uses.

“Over $100 billion dollars in fossil fuels are utilized annually for heat,” said Jon Strimling, President of PelletSales.com and a member of BTEC’s Board of Directors. “Senator Wyden’s amendment will help us reduce our petroleum imports and our carbon emissions, while at the same time growing jobs and our domestic tax revenue base. We look forward to working with Senator Wyden to build support for the REAP Act as it moves through the legislative process.”

Call or write your Senators today to urge their support for this important legislation. Visit www.senate.gov for contact information for your state.

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