BTEC Commends Legislators for Introduction of Thermal Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act

"Expanding our use of renewable thermal energy, exemplified by the model district energy system we have in St. Paul, is one way to provide low, stable heating and cooling prices to consumers, dramatically increase our country's energy efficiency and speed up our transition away from coal and fossil fuels that cause global climate change," said Sen. Franken in a joint press release with Rep. Betty McCollum.  Nearly one third of U.S. energy consumption is for thermal needs such as building heating and cooling and industrial processes.
  
The Thermal Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act would create a package of financial incentives to support implementation of large scale efficient, renewably-fueled heating and cooling systems.  These provisions include improved bonding options for district heating infrastructure, increased project grant funding, and expanding the Production Tax Credit (PTC) to include renewable heating and cooling (Btu to kWh equivalent).
  
"The bill recognizes and supports clean, efficient sources of thermal energy, in addition to establishing parity with other renewable energy sources like transportation fuels and electricity," said BTEC Deputy Director Kyle Gibeault.  "We are pleased to see members of Congress putting forth legislation that will accelerate America's shift towards renewable sources of thermal energy."
           
More Information:

• Bill Full-Text (Courtesy of the International District Energy Association)
• Sen. Franken Statement
• Rep. McCollum Statement

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About the Biomass Thermal Energy Council 
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing the use of biomass for heat and other thermal energy applications. BTEC is an association of biomass fuel producers, appliance manufacturers and distributors, supply chain companies and non-profit organizations that view biomass thermal energy as a renewable, responsible, clean and energy-efficient pathway to meeting America's energy needs. For more information, visit www.biomassthermal.org.