Members of Congress returned to Washington in November to a drastically changed political landscape. Before the election on November 8, PFI and our trade association allies in the forestry, biomass and forest products industries had anticipated a Lame Duck session of Congress that would present opportunities to finish out the year with some policy wins. That prospect now appears to be greatly diminished, as leadership in both chambers is focused solely on enacting a measure to fund the government through March 2017. Our plan to work language into a year-end spending deal to codify the concept of biomass carbon neutrality and move the BTU Act and pellet stove credit is not likely to materialize in the context of appropriations as this short term government funding measure is expected to be "clean," meaning free of policy riders.

Energy bills passed both chambers and are now subject to conference committee negotiations. Reports continue to give at least some hope that an energy bill conference report could come together. Recall that we have favorable biomass carbon neutrality language in the Senate energy bill, which we have been working to secure in any final energy conference deal.

For the first six months of 2017, Republican leaders are signaling that their two primary policy objectives are tax reform and repealing the Affordable Care Act. It is anticipated that these two measures will be pursued through budget reconciliation, a parliamentary maneuver that allows legislation to clear the Senate by a simple majority vote instead of the more difficult 60 vote threshold required to end a filibuster. And obviously a government funding bill will also have to be passed by the end of March.

While we are disappointed that this Lame Duck is going to be just that-lame-we anticipate a busy start to the New Year and will be looking for all opportunities to advance all planks on our policy agenda with the new Congress.

The PFI Standards Program this week welcomed Greenwood, South Carolina-based Colombo Energy as the program's 17th qualified company.

As consumers and retailers focus on pellet purchases for the 2016-2017 winter season, we want to remind PFI members of the resources available to you to help you communicate about the PFI Standards Program and what it means for buyers.

One pager on the Standards Program: Our informational handout on the PFI Standards Program explains the program and its implications for pellet producers, retailers and stove manufacturers. It also lists the companies that have been qualified for the program, along with their websites.

One pager on the symbols found on pellet bags: We have created a one pager specifically explaining the various PFI logos and marks found on bags of pellets. It helps retailers distinguish the PFI Standards Program Quality Mark from other commonly used symbols. This handout is also ideal for printing off and distributing to customers or posting in a store.

Materials for members of the program: For qualified companies, we have created a marketing kit with suggested language for ensuring that customers and retailers are aware of your company's acceptance into the program and what it means. It also includes suggested language for websites.

If you are interested in receiving any of these materials, please contact Carrie Annand at [email protected]. If you are interested in joining the program, first step is to visit PFI's Standards Program web pages to identify an accredited auditing agency. The agency will help you come up with a Quality Control manual and get you on the path to joining the program.