Accomplishments Summary

Last Updated: April 2010

Overview

The Biomass Thermal Energy Council engages in legislative advocacy to establish a level playing field for biomass thermal energy. We also conduct education and outreach activities to provide policymakers, investors, media, and other stakeholders with accurate information on the benefits of using biomass for heat and CHP (combined heat and power).

Thanks to the support of its members, since forming in January 2009 BTEC has had a number of important accomplishments in these areas. Below you will find a summary of some of our most notable achievements to date.

Background

Leveling the Playing Field

Biomass resources will not be directed to their most efficient uses without technology-neutral energy policy. And the current reality is that less-efficient electricity and transportation end-uses for biomass are heavily incentivized at both the state and federal levels.

Incentives in one sector impact the pricing of raw biomass materials in all other sectors. America needs a level playing field, where biomass thermal can compete on its merits with biomass power and transportation fuels.

Legislative Accomplishments Summary

Residential Biomass Heating Systems

• Introduction of H.R. 2080 - American Renewable Biomass Heating Act (Rep. Hodes) -  Bill to expand and extend consumer tax credits for residential biomass heating systems.

• Introduction of S.1643 – Cleaner, Secure, and Affordable Thermal Energy Act (Sen. Snowe/Bingamin) – Bill to expand and extend tax credits for residential biomass heating systems.

Commercial/Industrial Biomass Heating Systems

• Introduction of S.3188  - American Renewable Biomass Heating Act of 2010 (Sen. Shaheen/Murkowski) – Bill to establish business tax credits for commercial/industrial biomass heating systems.

• Helped secure Community Wood Energy Program funding at fully authorized level of $5M/yr in President’s draft 2011 Budget.

Biomass Production

• Introduction of S. 1094 - Renewable Energy Alternative Production Act (Sen. Wyden). Bill to amend Section 45 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow production tax credits for non-electric renewable energy.

 Combined Heat and Power Incentives/Renewable Energy Credits

• Insertion of amendment to S. 1462 – American Clean Energy Leadership Act – Amendment would establish telescoping renewable energy credits for the useful electric and thermal output of biomass facilities. Credits awarded based on energy efficiency. If passed, this bill will for the first time establish renewable energy credits for thermal energy.

Education and Outreach Accomplishments Summary

• Held first Congressional briefing on biomass thermal energy.
  
  
• Organized first-ever session at RETECH conference on biomass thermal energy; participating in a keynote panel at the 2010 International Biomass Conference and Expo.
  
  
• Co-host of the Heating the Northeast with Renewable Biomass Conference, first conference in the northeast focused on biomass thermal energy (www.heatne.com).


• Raised awareness for biomass thermal through articles in various energy publications, including Biomass Magazine and Bioenergy International.


• Submitted public comments and letters on a number of key legislative and regulatory issues to officials in Dept. of Energy and Dept. of Agriculture.


• Applied for education and outreach grant through US Forest Service.

Organizational Accomplishments Summary

• Established an organization with a broad base of interests in biomass thermal energy, including landowners, appliance manufacturers, fuel refiners, distributors, nonprofits, and universities. Grew from 8 members to over 75 in one year.