From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Mon May 2 14:05:48 2011 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 2 May 2011 14:05:48 -0700 Subject: [Forest_Biomass] Forest Biomass Research and Policy News 5-2-2011 Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B601E5C0369E@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> These articles related to forest biomass policy and research appeared recently.. Forum explores "Separating Hype from Reality in Alternative Fuels," May 19 Pulp & Paper Foundation conference focuses on bio-based economy, May 26 NWCAA has $3.5m for significant GHG mitigation project UW Environmental Innovation Challenge teams include biomass, algal projects WSU promotes leadership role in aviation biofuel development Climate Trust reviews Oregon's biogas potential Oregon Dept of Ag report explores agriculture and energy OR Governor calls for long-term state energy strategy Biomass Thermal Energy Council offers new podcast series New report explores the emerging bio-revolution in Canadian forest industry Pine beetle moving from lodgepole to jack pine Five key variables for advanced biofuels in 2011 USDOE Biomass Program R&D peer review scheduled for June 27-28 California Energy Commission funds biosolids gasification project China starts to emphasize bioenergy potential Wisconsin releases new strategic plan for biogas development Biogas and wind power whole county in Wisconsin Biomass R&D Initiative funding available for advanced biofuels Expanded California RPS impacts regional green power demand Comments sought on changes to NRCS conservation practices, including bioenergy EPA criticized for lack of industry experts in peer review of biofuels report Biomass Power Association comments on EPA tailoring rulemaking National Alliance of Forest Owners launches biomass energy website American Forest & Paper Association commits to reducing GHG emissions EPA streamlines alternative fuel conversion regulations New EU fuel taxes may focus on carbon and energy efficiency Kevin Weeks Public Information Officer Oregon Department of Forestry Agency Affairs Office (503) 945-7427 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Wed May 4 15:57:00 2011 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Wed, 4 May 2011 15:57:00 -0700 Subject: [Forest_Biomass] Oregon Global Warming Commission survey Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B601E5C03A9B@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> This message is forwarded at the request of the Oregon Global Warming Commission... Kevin Weeks Public Information Officer Oregon Department of Forestry Agency Affairs Office (503) 945-7427 *************************************************************** Dear stakeholders, Please share your perspective on how the state can best prepare to meet the challenges of climate change by taking a new survey at: http://conversation.fuseinsight.com/topic/start/OGWC_Roadmap_3_3_2011/intro?SID=Agency Please respond by May 31! The survey is being led by the Oregon Global Warming Commission, a state commission which is developing a strategy to reduce emissions state-wide by 2020. By taking a few minutes to share your point of view, you will influence discussions at upcoming public workshops and help shape decisions about Oregon's environment for years to come. The OGWC wants the public conversation around climate change to involve as many different Oregonians with as wide a variety of perspectives as possible, given that we share an interest in protecting our state's livability and economic vitality. More information about the OGWC is available at www.keeporegoncool.org , as well as dates and information about upcoming workshops on strategies for reducing emissions. Thank you! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Fri May 6 12:33:07 2011 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Fri, 6 May 2011 12:33:07 -0700 Subject: [Forest_Biomass] USDA Biomass Crop Assistance Program Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B601E5C03D5F@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> USDA Biomass Crop Assistance Program deadline is May 27 The USDA Farm Service Agency is accepting applications for approved project areas under the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) through May 27, 2011. Contact the Oregon FSA office to apply for the program. BCAP was created in the 2008 Farm Bill. The program is designed to assist private forestland and agricultural land owners with establishment and production of eligible crops, including woody biomass, in selected project areas for conversion to bioenergy, and the collection, harvest, storage and transportation of eligible material for use in a biomass conversion facility. Total fiscal year 2011 funding nationally for the BCAP program is limited to $112 million. Additional information, including application information, is available on the Farm Service Agency web site: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=ener&topic=bcap Kevin Weeks Public Information Officer Oregon Department of Forestry Agency Affairs Office (503) 945-7427 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Mon May 9 09:35:13 2011 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 9 May 2011 09:35:13 -0700 Subject: [Forest_Biomass] Forest Biomass in the News 5-9-11 Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B601E5C03EF1@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Two items today - information about the new biomass system installed by the Sisters School District and a news wrap-up around the region. 1) New biomass system being installed in Sisters - here's the news release from the Sisters School District: For Immediate Release April 24, 2011 The Sisters School District is pleased to announce the addition of a bio-mass pellet boiler at Sisters High School. Installation of the 1.3 million BTU boiler will start early in May and the boiler will be operational for the 2011-12 school year. The new boiler could save the district $35,000 - $50,000 dollars per year in heating costs. The new plant is the result of 2 years of serious discussions and research. The new boiler will be integrated into the existing heating system and will supply hot water for the main heating system at Sisters High School as well as domestic hot water for the entire building. The district will seek local contracts for pellets and is dedicated to keeping this heating plant as an Oregon project. The contractors and boiler manufacturer are all local Oregon companies and the labor for this job will be provided by the school district and local contractors. The district's overarching goal is to run the most efficient physical plant system possible in order to maximize the amount of school district resources available for teaching staff and improvement of student learning. The district is excited to also help the State and local economy in this difficult economic time. Additional Information can be obtained by calling: Leland Bliss, Sisters School District 541-549-8521 ext 4017 These news items about biomass appeared recently in Pacific NW news sources: Seneca Biomass Plant Opening Protested by Activists (KDRV 12 ABC-TV (c) 05/05/2011) s opening and a tour of the facilities. EWEB has approved the decision to buy power from the biomass plant to distribute as a local, sustainable source of energy. Activists, including Cascadia forest Defenders, rallied together in protest of the ceremony. The rally lead by Cascadia forest Defenders say they are protesting because they believe Seneca's new plant will have a harmful effect Biomass opponents prepare campaign against Seattle Steam Business Journal (Seattle) covers Nippon biomass project Kevin Weeks Public Information Officer Oregon Department of Forestry Agency Affairs Office (503) 945-7427 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Thu May 19 11:14:51 2011 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Thu, 19 May 2011 11:14:51 -0700 Subject: [Forest_Biomass] Forest Biomass Work Group meets May 26 in Salem Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B601E5D2F766@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Oregon Department of Forestry - NEWS BRIEF Forest Biomass Work Group meets May 26 in Salem May 19, 2011 Contact: Kevin Weeks (503) 945-7427 A workgroup of representatives from state government, forest industries, renewable energy development and the environmental community will meet in Salem on May 26 to discuss the role of Oregon's forests in providing energy production from wood. The Forest Biomass Work Group will meet on Thursday May 26 at 10:00 a.m. in the Administration Building (Tillamook meeting room) of the Oregon Department of Forestry campus, 2600 State Street in Salem. The tentative agenda for the meeting includes reports from Work Group teams regarding carbon neutrality of forest biomass, potential incentives for developing forest biomass energy facilities and discussion about the Work Group's charter for future direction on projects. Issue updates from state and federal agencies serving on the Work Group are scheduled, as is an overview of wood boiler rulemaking processes at the state and federal level. Members of the public are invited to participate in the meeting. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations for the meeting can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at (503) 945-7427. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Forestry is available on ODF's web site, www.oregon.gov/ODF. ### Kevin Weeks Public Information Officer ODF Agency Affairs Office (503) 945-7427 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kevin.weeks at state.or.us Mon May 23 09:23:33 2011 From: kevin.weeks at state.or.us (WEEKS Kevin) Date: Mon, 23 May 2011 09:23:33 -0700 Subject: [Forest_Biomass] Kitzhaber Announces Grants to Promote Biomass Message-ID: <2659B04496B9C544A0CB26155C1FD1B601E5D2F873@WPODFEXCL01.ODF.STATE.OR.US> Office of Governor John Kitzhaber Press Release: May 18, 2011 Governor Kitzhaber Announces Grants to Promote Biomass, Energy, and Rural Economic Development (SALEM, Ore.) -The Oregon Department of Energy and Business Oregon have selected three projects to receive grants from the Forest Products Energy Project. The effort is part of Governor Kitzhaber's initiative to get Oregonians back to work, promote forest health restoration, and generate renewable energy. The grant recipients are: Prineville Sawmill Company in Prineville; Blue Mountain Lumber Products in Pendleton; and Ochoco Lumber in John Day. The selected energy projects will study the feasibility of developing combined heat and power at two lumber mills and a plan to improve and expand thermal energy production at a third. The studies are expected to be completed by September 2011. "These projects will promote efficient use of biomass while strengthening business, promoting forest health, and creating jobs," said Governor Kitzhaber. "Our forest products industry is well positioned to support the increased use of biomass, creating additional renewable energy market opportunities." The Forest Products Energy Project is designed to develop additional renewable energy capability, to encourage investments in forest product mills, and to retain and create jobs in the wood products industry. The project is an effort between the Oregon Department of Energy, Business Oregon, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and the Energy Trust of Oregon. The group is also announcing a second round of grant offerings. Existing local forest product companies in Oregon can compete for these grants, which evaluate the feasibility of using biomass for renewable energy production. The announcement for this opportunity and more details about the project can be found on the ODOE website at: http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/BUSINESS/oregon_forest_products_energy_project.shtml Media Contacts: Christine Miles, 503-559-8795 Amy Wojcicki, 503-689-5324 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: