All Entries in the "Policy" Category
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IRS OKs black liquor for $1.01 per gallon tax credit for 2009, with conditions, risks
In Washington, the Internal Revenue Service ruled that the pulpmaking byproduct, black liquor, is eligible for up to $10 billion in Cellulosic Biofuel Producer Credits (CBPC), or “Son of Black Liquor” credits. The production credits will be paid at the $1.01 per gallon rate originally designed to incentivize renewable fuels, double the old $0.50 per [...]
Federal funds awarded to Oregon’s Lake County for biomass projects
In Oregon, Federal stimulus funds have been awarded to Lake County for biomass projects. The Lakeview cogeneration project will receive $1.7 million and must be fully operational by mid-February 2012. The new plant is expected to produce enough electricity to sell to utility companies. The project will also improve air quality, as an old [...]
Oregon creates temporary criteria for Biomass Tax Credit Program
In Oregon, the state’s Department of Energy has created new temporary criteria for biomass producers participating in the Biomass Producer or Collector (or BPC) Tax Credit Program. The changes are a result of reforms passed by the 2009 state legislature.
The temporary rules are effective for 180 days ending December 28, 2010.
More on the story.
EPA Administrator considers biomass-fired and fossil fuel powered generators the same
In Washington, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson is under fire by Congress and the public for attempting to treat biomass-fired power generators the same as fossil fuel power generators under a new proposed rule on greenhouse gas calculations. She received letters from 163 companies and interest groups, as well as 63 members of Congress, expressing concern [...]
Massachusetts activists petition to make biomass-fired projects ineligible for renewable energy subsidies
In Massachusetts, campaigners have so far collected 78,597 certified signatures on a petition that would make biomass-fired projects ineligible for renewable energy subsidies. Campaigners say that biomass-fired plants that burn wood and biomass release unhealthy emissions, increase greenhouse gas emissions in direct conflict with state law, and “consume the equivalent of 50 football fields of [...]
Biomass Power Association says proposed EPA rule will cost $7 billion.
In Maine, the Biomass Power Association said that the EPA’s proposed boiler maximum achievable control technology, or MACT, rule would be prohibitively expensive to biomass installations and would halt new investments in biomass power.
The EPA’s proposed rule would set emissions control standards for dioxin, mercury and other emissions from utility boilers. The agency is currently [...]
EPA to hold hearings to define fuel vs. solid waste
In Virginia, the EPA will hold three public hearings in June to determine rules on which secondary non-hazardous materials should be considered ‘fuel’ and which should be considered ‘solid waste’ as part of their hearings on air pollutants from waste-based energy processes.
Secondary materials are those that are not the primary product of a manufacturing or [...]
Three biomass projects receive $13 million from DOE in Recovery Act investment
In Washington, the US Department of Energy announced three projects that will receive $13 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support deployment of community-based renewable energy projects, including biomass.
These projects will promote investment in clean energy infrastructure that will create jobs, help communities provide long-term renewable energy and save consumers money. They [...]
Washington State considers biomass relief with Forest Biomass bill
In Washington state, the Forest Biomass Supply Agreements Bill was introduced this week in the state legislature, after a request by the state Commissioner of Public Lands. The bill is designed to relieve stress on the state biomass industry by encouraging investment.
The bill allows the state Department of Natural Resources to sign long-term biomass feedstock [...]
