Visit Wood-to-Energy Check Off Website for Updated Information on Program
Over the last couple of years, a number of individuals and companies from across the wood-to-energy sector have been considering and discussing ways to better address challenges to our sector and seek opportunities for growth.
A group of volunteers from three primary segments of the sector - domestic pellets; export pellets; and biomass power producers - has developed an ad hoc process to study the potential of the USDA Research and Promotion Program (commonly called "check-off") to aid the sector. That group has formed the "Wood-to-Energy Check-off Work Group," working with matching financial support from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities.
The Work Group is comprised of nine individuals, with three representing each segment of the sector, including PFI members Rob Davis and Bruce Lisle. The group is committed to transparency and open communication as it explores the potential of a check-off program. The group's primary purpose is to look for ways to "expand markets for sustainable, renewable energy from wood."
The Wood-to-Energy Check Off Initiative launched a website this week with more information about the process, including FAQs. Visit http://woodtoenergycheckoff.org/ for more information.
Bioenergy Day 2016 Video Released: Biomass in California
The 2016 Bioenergy Day video, sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service, was released yesterday on biomass in California.
California is experiencing a drought and, along with it, significant tree mortality across the state. An estimated 66 million dead trees pose safety hazards and fire risks - and biomass can help alleviate the problem. U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Randy Moore discusses the benefits of biomass.
Watch the video on YouTube or on BioenergyDay.org and feel free to share it widely!
Register for Heating the Midwest
The 2016 Heating the Midwest conference is taking place October 11- 13 in the Upper Peninsula's Harris, Michigan.
Established in 2011, Heating the Midwest represents more than 200 industry, government, non-profit, university and tribal organizations committed to increasing awareness, education and outreach for heating with biomass in the Midwest. We promote thermal biomass to a large constituency, including government policy makers and entities, institutions, municipalities, businesses and consumers.
2016 is shaping up to be a great conference and we are hoping you are able to participate!
Have News to Share on Pellet Wire?
We'd love to feature your company's news in a future Pellet Wire! We want to be the first to know your company's recent developments to share them with the wider pellet fuels industry.
Please be in touch with Carrie Annand at [email protected] with information on your company's growth, job openings, promotions or other news.
Join a PFI Committee
We welcome and encourage all interested PFI members to get involved in our committees. There are many opportunities to help steer the association. No matter where your expertise and interests lie, we have a committee that will suit you. Help us plan our next conference, shape our policy agenda, lead communications outreach or grow the PFI Standards Program. Visit PFI's website for more information.
Host an Event for Bioenergy Day 2016, Taking Place October 19
October 19, 2016, marks the Fourth Annual Bioenergy Day! Many pellet fuels manufacturers are planning facility tours and other events to emphasize the many economic and environmental benefits of bioenergy to elected officials, customers, the media and other stakeholders.
We urge anyone interested in building ties to their communities to consider hosting a Bioenergy Day event, either on your own or jointly with other bioenergy businesses or supporters in your region. There are many resources available to help you plan, including a Participation Guide on the Bioenergy Day website. Previous participants are also willing to share best practices, lessons learned, and other tips to ensure a smooth and successful event.
Thanks to many sponsors, including the U.S. Forest Service, and participants, Bioenergy Day has grown each year. Organizations across the country have engaged their communities on bioenergy, earning dozens of media stories and helping more people understand bioenergy. State and local governments, elected officials, universities and businesses have all recognized bioenergy in its many forms. Biomass power, domestic and export pellets, biogas, anaerobic digesters, combined heat and power - all of these types of bioenergy are part of Bioenergy Day.
To learn more, visit www.bioenergyday.com, or send an email to Carrie Annand at [email protected].
