Agency News

AGH Blog: Wood pellet data is vital to understand contribution of pellet heating in America

The EIA requested public comment on extending their Densified Biomass Fuel Report for three-years. AGH said the survey is vital part of understanding renewable energy in America but the EIA can do a much better job of disclosing more of the data that it collects from pellet manufacturers.

USDA Forest Service partner with AGH for year three of firewood bank funding

“Firewood provides a local, renewable source of heat for so many families across our country, especially in tribal communities,” said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. This program "support the network of firewood banks that are providing lifesaving aid by ensuring more families can access the firewood they need.”

DOE avoids calls to integrate wood stoves into energy audits

The leading renewable energy appliance for rural low-income and middle income homes has again been passed over in favor of far less common items such as cool roofs and solar hot air systems, used primarily by wealthier homes. AGH has appealed to the Weatherization Assistance Program and hopes this serious health and safety oversight will be addressed soon.

U.S. EPA Wood Pellet Research Project

This project says it is focused on pellet production in the south, there is little to no effort to distinguish southern pellet mills from northern ones that make pellets for residential and institutional heating, contributing to the widespread confusion about pellets in America.

Legislative News

Sen. Booker introduces legislation to assess emissions from forest biomass

AGH position: There is an accepted way to do a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA): DOE’s GREET methodology, regardless of the fuel. The important thing is that LCAs needs to be consistent with how the US government does them for ethanol, and all other fuels, using the same boundaries and assumptions, and not to confuse electricity and heat LCAs.

Washington congresswoman campaigns in front of her wood pile

“Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez is a community leader and small business owner who will prioritize the health and well-being of communities and fight for bold climate action that advances clean energy, jobs, and justice over polluter profits.”

Bill would exempt burning wood for fuel from New York climate act's restrictions

"The Rural Energy Freedom Act, introduced on Wednesday by Republican Assemblyman Robert Smullen, would make the exemption for wood burning" in NY's ambitious climate plan, even though wood and pellet heat is not covered by the plan.

AGH News

Pellet stove users: Please take this survey! And help us distribute it widely

This survey is designed to better understand who uses pellets for home heating and why. Results will be made public in our July newsletter. Respondents are eligible for $75 gift cards.

AGH accepting applications for new firewood banks

This year, new requirements for getting a grant include making a safety plan, posting an emergency info sheet, and submitting moisture content logs. Renewal applications for banks who have already been funding will open on Sept. 1. 

AGH earns "Silver Seal of Transparency"

Non-profits that make extensive, internal operational data open to the public are recognized by Candid, formerly know as GuideStar.

Innovation

Monitoring and collecting data on stoves

Geocene's "SimpleSUMs" leases for $36 a year and is compatible with any cookstove - or wood stove. Over 10,000 sensors have been deployed in 25 countries to gather temperature, hours of usage, etc.

Kickstarter: electricity and hot water generating wood burning stove

"Not only gives radiant heat in the room where it is installed, but also automatically produces electricity for lighting and powers a pump to run its own small hot water central heating system warming up to 3/4 other radiators."

Firewood Banks

High school students sell firewood permits

"Mosaic is also allowing the class to sell firewood permits for the waste wood in the Alberni Valley,"..."'It’s kind of a win-win. It’s a fundraiser for us, and people can get firewood for good prices close to town.'"

‘Soul-warming’: the mystery man who chops wood to keep his neighbors from freezing

"The woodsman, who requested anonymity, is an accomplished director of popular films. Now devotes much of his time to supplying his neighbors with free firewood."

Compliance

Oregon Log splitter recalled over injuries

29,460 log splitters are being recalled for repair or replacement after a defect was found that could lead to serious injury. They were also sold under brand names Oregon, PowerPro, Country Tuff, and Speeco branded log splitters and cylinder kits.

Class action secures $4.6M in charcoal price-fixing

"The class, made up of anyone who purchased mesquite coal from the companies between 2000 and 2011, argued that the three firms colluded to hike product prices, leading to overcharges of a combined $8.26 million."

Uncertified MBtek wood boilers cross line for Washington State

Washington State was one of the states that sued the EPA for its lack of enforcement of wood stove regulations and now faces enforcing its own wood heater regulations as a company acknowledges sales of uncertified boilers in its borders. MBtek also uses the logos of NYSERDA, Mass Save, Efficiency Vermont and the State of California to highlight their "partners."

Firewood

It takes a village to heat a home with wood

"We need to make electric heating more affordable than liquified natural gas or propane. Electric heating also needs to be competitive with wood pellet stoves that folks in Western Mass use."

Southern Maine bio products pricing comparison

A chart showing price comparisons of Southern Maine Renewable Fuels products as well as a table discussing what products are best for different situations.

Wood Heat Chemistry

How and why does wood burn?

"Fire is the result of a chemical reaction where atoms rearrange themselves irreversibly. For fire to take place, three main ingredients must be present: heat, oxygen and fuel. To start a fire, one needs to overcome the “activation energy” of the fuel (around 490 Fahrenheit for wood) at which point the component molecules of wood break apart and recombine. Once the wood fire gets going, it hangs up at around 1700 degrees Fahrenheit, which sustains the combustion process until one of the three necessary ingredients is depleted."

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CSIA 2024 Training Days: Boston, Philly, Portland OR, Chicago, Minneapolis, etc.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America has a full schedule of trainings around the country next year.

Canadian Biomass presents Bioheat Week

Online webinars, May 6-10, 2024

Canadian Biomass is bringing the message of bioheat benefits to key industries with Bioheat Week.

REV2024 Request for Speaking Proposals

Deadline: Wednesday, May 15 at 9:00 am (EDT)

REV is seeking panel, speaker, and topic proposals for the 2024 REV Conference breakout sessions.

European Pellet Forum

Nantes, France, May 28, 2024

The event brings together key stakeholders in the European pellet industry, including stove and boiler manufactures, producers, traders and others in the pellet value chain.

F.I.R.E. Certified Fireplace & Chimney Inspector Program

 Williston, Vermont, June 10-15, 2024

Pellet Fuels Institute 2024 Annual Meeting

The annual conference of PFI brings together manufacturers of heating pellets.

Charleston, South Carolina, June 25-27, 2024

Save the date: The Antique Stove Association 2024 Convention

Spring Valley, Minnesota, August 18-20, 2024

International Training Seminar: Sustainable Bioenergy Heating

Linz, Austria, September 23 - 26, 2024

The Seminar focuses on small- to mid-scale projects fuelled by wood pellets and wood chips for homes, smaller commercial/public buildings and district heating grids.

Renewable Thermal Collaborative Summit 2024

Washington, D.C., September 30-October 1, 2024

The Summit is the only place where large industrial, institutional, and commercial energy users like Procter & Gamble, Mars, and Colgate Palmolive come together.

Alliance for Green Heat | (202) 365-4765 | contact@forgreenheat.org | | www.forgreenheat.org