PFI Urges State Governors to Align with Department of Homeland Security, Exempt Wood Pellet Manufacturing from Business Shutdowns

Seattle, WA– On Tuesday, March 24^th the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) sent letters to the governors of wood pellet producing states urging them to align their essential business policies with those outlined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  released on March 19, 2020. In that advisory the DHS classified wood products manufacturing as “essential critical infrastructure” and eligible to continue operations if states decide to restrict or close non-essential businesses in their efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.

March 23, 2020

EPA Strikes Minimum Pellet Fuel Requirements from NSPS, Clarify Rules Regarding Use of Wood Pallet Residues

Washington, D.C.– On Wednesday, March 11 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submitted an amendment to the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for New Residential Wood Heaters, New  Residential Hydronic Heaters and Forced-Air Furnaces that strikes the majority of the minimum pellet fuel requirements initially included in the regulation and clarifies its rule on the use of wood pallet derived fibers.

Washington, D.C.– On Tuesday, March 3 Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D) - Oregon introduced an amendment to the American Energy Innovation Act which is expected to be taken up for debate by the Senate this week. Wyden’s amendment includes provisions from the Biomass Thermal Utilization Act most notably a 30% tax credit for qualifying pellet stoves and boilers.

Washington, D.C.– On Monday, February 24^th Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) Executive Director Tim Portz, board chairman John Utter (Lignetics) and past-chair Stephen Faehner (American Wood Fibers) testified at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) about the impact to pellet manufacturers of the inclusion of minimum pellet fuel requirements in the New Source Performance Standards, a contentious piece of air quality regulation originally introduced in 2015.

On November 19, 2019 the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures released a draft version of the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act. The inclusion of provisions from the BTU Act within this tax package developed by House democrats has been viewed by industry observers as the most promising opportunity to once and for all get the kind of difference making tax incentives enjoyed by the wind and solar industry for the broader wood heat sector.

The Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) will host its fall board meeting in Washington, D.C. on October 29^th and 30^th.  The two-day event begins with a board meeting on Tuesday, October 29^th and then moves into a series of conversations with allied associations in the wood heat, wood products and forestry sectors. Also planned for Tuesday is a working lunch between members of the PFI board and leadership and board members from the Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC).

In the PFI’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the inclusion of minimum pellet fuel requirements from federal regulation the organization submitted extensive written comments outlining the legal justification for its position. These comments are the culmination of nearly four years of ongoing work on this issue and clearly and articulately outline the PFI’s position.

Read our comments now. 

December 17, 2018 (Washington, DC)--On Monday, December 17 past Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) and American Wood Fiber President and CEO Stephen Faehner testified at a public hearing regarding the recently proposed amendments and call for comments on the Standards of Performance for New Residential Wood Heaters, New Residential Hydronic Heaters, and Forced-Air Furnaces

Initiative part of a broader effort to increase consumer awareness of wood pellet heat and increase the number of wood pellet appliances sold each year.

Dansons, Inc. announces a new partnership with the Godfather of Pellet Grills, or as we know him from the 2018 PFI Annual Conference, BBQ Bill! 

Read More

California’s notorious Prop 65 has cost wood product manufacturers around the country millions of dollars, and an upcoming requirement could exacerbate the issue. 

The 2018 PFI  Annual Conference is only a short time away! Are you intrigued by "Operation 100k"? Are you ready for an updated conference with brand new content? Do you want to be an active part of PFI's strategic vision? Have you registered yet? 

The PFI Annual Conference highlights the various applications of densified biomass, as well as trends and best practices within the densified biomass industry. It attracts a broad range of individuals from the public and private sectors, academia, and local, state and national governments from North America and beyond. The conference features two days of educational sessions as well as industry exhibits, extensive networking opportunities, and a golf tournament.