All Entries in the "Policy" Category
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 [...]
POIC Sabah CEO says politics, economics frustrating biomass-to-power in Malaysia
In Malaysia, POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd CEO Dr Pang Teck Wai said that there is sufficient palm fruit waste to provide power and steam to the complex of palm industries at POIC Lahad Datu, but that the lack of a carbon emissions regime removed the incentive to secure long-term supply of feedstock. He said that, [...]
Nova Scotia heads for enviro, logger donnybrook over doubling of biomass power gen to 70 MW
In Canada, a government report is expected in Nova Scotia regarding the development of renewable energy for Nova Scotia. In hot dispute between loggers and environmental groups: the amount of green power produced from biomass to 70 MW, as the province aims to double its renewable power generation and reach a 25 percent target by [...]
20 Free, Hot Biomass downloads: Environmental, economic impact
13. GAO – Water and Biofuels
Energy and Water: Preliminary Observations on the Links between Water and Biofuels and Electricity Production
14. FAO Bioenergy overview
The FAO’s take on Sustainable Bioenergy with a “framework for decision makers” on environmental sustainability and food security.
15. GIC’s New Roadmap for Measuring & Valuing Carbon in the Agribusiness Sector
A new framework – [...]
