September 2018 Newsletter

Hello HTM supporters!!
As always we hope you will enjoy and find value in reading our monthly HTM newsletter. Of particular importance this month please take note that the sixth annual National Bioenergy Day is October 24 th . There is a registration website set up athttp://bioenergyday.com/registration/  so be sure to register your involvement and/or activities. Please note that Koda Energy is planning a large event to include tours and a barbeque lunch at their facility in Shakopee Minnesota and have offered to piggyback the participation of other HTM members with their event. This could include a booth, informational tables, etc. In other news, there is a webinar being planned and materials being prepared to relay information in regard to the Midwest Biomass Exchange. Final details are still being prepared, but look for these informational opportunities later this fall. The HTM steering committee is currently reviewing options for a 2019 event. Some ideas include a co-located conference with a partnering organization or possibly an industry tour with an evening reception and/or a moderated HTM strategy session/business meeting the following morning. If anyone has ideas please reach out to any of our steering committee members to let us know your suggestions. Finally, please note that our next combined action team call is scheduled for 1:30 PM CST on October 16 th . All are welcome to join our action teams.
Chris Wiberg

In This Newsletter:

  • Participate in National Bioenergy Day!
  • BTEC Asks Senate to Expand CWEIP in the 2018 Farm Bill
  • EPA Sends 2 Proposals to OMB to Weaken NSPS
  • Nearly 20% of Stoves Meet New Emission Standards; Wood Boilers Lag Behind
  • HPBA: Wood Stove Manufacturers Need More Time to Meet EPA Regs
  • Fostering Wood Recycling in Michigan
  • NW CERT Events
  • National Funding Opportunities
  • Minnesota Funding Opportunities
  • LinkedIn
  • Free Publications
  • Ideas for SWET
  • Become an Action Team Volunteer
  • Call for news

Participate in National Bioenergy Day
October 24th, 2018

BTEC Asks Senate to Expand CWEIP in 2018 Farm Bill

More than 30 organizations, including the Biomass Thermal Energy Council, Alliance for Green Heat and Pellet Fuels Institute, sent a letter to leaders of the Senate Agricultural Committee on August 17 urging the Senate to expand the Community Wood Energy and Innovations Program in the final version of the Farm Bill.
Read the full story here .

EPA Sends 2 Proposals to OMB to Weaken NSPS

On August 10, the U.S. EPA delivered a pre-rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget related to a 2015 rule that set performance standards for new residential wood heaters, hydronic heaters and forced-air furnaces. This is the second time in August the EPA has delivered a proposal pertaining to the 2015 rule to the OMB.
The EPA finalized a rule in February 2015 that made revisions to the new source performance standard (NSPS) for new residential wood heaters. The rule updated 1988 NSPS to reflect advancements in wood heater technologies and design. It also broadened the range of residential wood-heating applications covered by the regulation.
Read the full story here .

Nearly 20% of Stoves Meet New Emission Standards; Wood Boilers Lag Behind

Of the 518 wood and pellet stoves currently on the market in the US, 91 or about 18% are certified to the stricter emission standards that are set to take effect on May 15, 2020. In general, smaller companies with fewer models tend to be more prepared for the 2020 deadline than larger companies with many models. Pellet stoves can meet the 2020 emission standards relatively easily, and some companies that make only pellet stoves have fully 2020 compliant product lines.
Read the full story here .

HPBA: Wood Stove Manufacturers Need More Time to Meet EPA Regs

On Sept. 17, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association issued a statement in support of a bill that aims to push back the effective complaince date of new source performance standards for residential wood heaters, hydronic heaters and forced-air furnaces for three years, from May 15, 2020 to May 15, 2023.
Read the full story here .

Fostering Wood Recycling in Michigan – Register Now!

Fostering Wood Recycling in Michigan
October 3, 2018 8am – 4pm
Western Michigan University
Beltline Campus Conference Center
Grand Rapids, MI

NW CERT Events

You, your neighbors, and colleagues are invited to two clean energy events in Bemidji on Thursday, October 11th that you won’t want to miss! Register now by calling 612-626-0555 or online at  https://lakelandpbssustainability.eventbrite.com or https://powerofmnbemidji.eventbrite.com
Event #1: Lakeland PBS Sustainability & Solar Tour with NW CERT
Time:  3:30 – 5:00pm
Date:  Thursday, October 11, 2018
Location:  Lakeland PBS
108 Grant Ave NE
Bemidji, MN 56601
Purpose:   Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Lakeland PBS to learn how they’ve made their building more sustainable while improving their bottom line, and how you can do the same! During the tour, we’ll see their 40 kW solar array, geothermal system, LED lighting, and other energy efficiency improvements
Who’s invited?: You! And your colleagues at cities, counties, schools districts, businesses, and nonprofit organizations
RSVP:  Register online at https://lakelandpbssustainability.eventbrite.com or call 612-626-0555
Event #2: The Power of Minnesota: Film Screening & Conversation in Bemidji  
Time:  6:30 to 9:00pm
Date:  Thursday, October 11, 2018
NEW Location:  Lakeland PBS
108 Grant Ave NE
Bemidji, MN 56601
Purpose:   Watch a new documentary called “The Power of Minnesota” which tells the story of how clean energy is making local economies throughout the state even stronger.
During this free event, you’ll enjoy appetizers and refreshments, join a community conversation, celebrate Bemidji’s clean energy developments, and learn how you can take action on your own projects!
Who’s invited?: You! And your neighbors, friends, family, and colleagues
RSVP: Register online at https://powerofmnbemidji.eventbrite.com or call 612-626-0555

National Funding Opportunities

USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program  (REAP) grant can cover 25% of project costs and a project can begin after an application has been submitted. Applications are due April 1, 2018 for projects of any size. REAP grants are competitive (1 in 4 applicants awarded).
USDA’s Guaranteed Loan  provides up to 75% of project costs and is not competitive.
DOE: No-cost technical assistance. The DOE Office of Indian Energy provides federally recognized Indian tribes with technical assistance to advance tribal energy projects at no cost.

Minnesota Funding Opportunities

MDA Biomass Thermal Energy Incentive Program . This is a production-based incentive and pays out based on heat generated by using mostly Minnesota-sourced biomass.
MDA’s Livestock Investment Grant  covers 10% of a project’s eligible costs. The application period is September through December.
Additional details available  here .
MDA AGRI Value Added Grant Program . This program supports Minnesota agricultural producers and processors to increase sales of Minnesota agricultural products by expanding markets. Grants are for equipment purchases or physical improvements and are intended to support businesses. Additional details available at:https://www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/valueaddedgrant.aspx
MDA AGRI Value Added Feasibility Grant Program The Minnesota Department ofAgriculture (MDA) will reimburse up to 50% of the costs, with a maximum award of $35,000, for an independent third party consultant to conduct a feasibility study of your agricultural value-added business venture. Any Minnesota resident or business can apply to receive funding to do a feasibility study for a new business or expansion/diversification of an existing business that will add value to a Minnesota agricultural commodity or product. This includes but is not limited to farmers/farmer networks, agricultural cooperatives, and agricultural businesses.

HTM has joined LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter

Heating the Midwest Incorporated has created a LinkedIn page and also a Facebook page. Follow the page to stay up to date with what we’re working on! Also follow us on Twitter.
Click here to follow us on LinkedIn
Click here to follow us on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter @HTM_BiomassHeat

Free Publications

Biomass Magazine and Pellet Mill Magazine are free to subscribers in the USA. Here’s the link to sign up for the magazine and free e-newsletters, free webinars and more:
BTEC Newsletter : If you are interested in receiving the Biomass Thermal Energy Council’s weekly biomass newsletter and other news releases, you are encouraged to sign-up at:  http://biomassthermal.org/mailingForm.asp

Have Biomass Project Ideas for SWET?

Michigan Statewide Wood Energy Team
Contact: Ray Miller- rmiller@anr.msu.edu
Wisconsin Statewide Wood Energy Team
Contact: Olivia Shanahan – PSC –  Olivia.Shanahan@wisconsin.gov

Heating the Midwest- Become an Action Team Volunteer!

If you have a specific area of interest related to biomass thermal, we welcome your participation in one or all of HTM’s three action teams-Biomass Combustion Technologies, Biomass Policy & Benefits, and Biomass Resources & Demographics. Is your time often stretched? No problem. Time committed to the HTM effort is volunteer time. Joint action team calls are held monthly via conference call, and calls are limited to one hour in respect of members’ time and busy schedules. Members may choose to volunteer more of their time individually to support Action Team specific projects as they arise.
Individuals with a passion for biomass thermal energy are being sought to lead the Biomass Resources & Demographics Action Team or the Biomass Combustion Technologies Action Team. This is a great opportunity to share your leadership skills in furthering the mission of HTM and to directly connect with the biomass industry sector and other agencies—all with a goal of growing market opportunities for biomass and specifically for biomass as a fuel for thermal heating and cooling, and combined heat and power.
The work of the action teams involves developing “boots on the ground” projects for spurring action, discussing industry challenges in each sector and how to possibly address, networking and supporting the overall goals and vision of the Heating the Midwest with Renewable Biomass initiative in an effort to grow demand and expand marketing opportunities in the biomass thermal sector, and create awareness of biomass thermal.  HTM Joint Action Team calls are held the >> Third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. CST <<. Separate action team calls are scheduled as needed.
For more detailed information on the Biomass Resources & Demographics Action Team, please contact Mike Marsollek ( MMarsollek@kodaenergy.com ); and for the Biomass Policy & Benefits Action Team, please contact Gregg Mast (Gregg_Mast@earthtechenergy.com ). Questions pertaining to the Biomass Combustion Technologies Action Team can be forwarded to either action team chair noted, or feel free to contact Becky Philipp ( bphilipp@auri.org ), steering committee member.

Call for Your Midwest Biomass Stories and Events for October Newsletter

As you’ve seen month after month; companies, governments, and communities around the Midwest are making progress on biomass heating and combined heat and power (CHP) programs and projects. If you have a story or event to contribute for next month, please submit by close of business the 3rd Wednesday of the month to kloeffler@heatingthemidwest.org . And, if you’d like to be on the list to receive upcoming newsletters, please contact Kelsey Loeffler at kloeffler@heatingthemidwest.org