Alliance for Green Heat Projects & Activities           

Maryland to Launch Wood Stove Rebate Pilot Program

The Maryland Energy Administration is providing $50,000 for a wood stove pilot rebate program. This will provide rebates of $500 or 30% towards the installed cost of a wood or pellet stove.  The Alliance is thrilled that the cleanest wood and pellet stoves are finally part of Maryland's renewable energy rebate program!  

Wood Stove Design Challenge Application Available 

The official application for the Next Generation Wood Stove Design Challenge is now available on our website. Teams have until December 20, 2012 COD to submit their completed applications. Judges will review applications and select finalists by January 31, 2013. Send any questions or concerns to [email protected].

Interested in competing in the Challenge? Use the link here to register your Team's intent to compete. All Teams must register by October 1, 2012 unless they are given a waiver from the Organizer. You can view a list of registered Teams and Sponsors here.  

Installation Permits Confuse Consumers and Installers  

Like most US states, Maryland has a patchwork of rules for permitting stoves, chimney and fireplaces.  Installers sometimes don't pull permits or even inform the customer about permits. When installing a stove, check with your county.  Remember, your insurance coverage could be impacted. To our knowledge, only MA, OR, WA and WI have statewide permit requirements.  

Washington Watch        

EPA Works to Develop Heat Metering Standard 

The Alliance for Green Heat is supporting an EPA initiative on how to measure heat. "A heat meter standard is a means to both credibly and accurately measure the environmental, energy and financial benefits generated by distributed clean heating and cooling technologies nationwide," said James Critchfield, director of EPA's Clean Energy Technologies Market Development. "This effort corresponds well with the increased focus on thermal energy at the Federal, state and local levels as our nation transitions to a cleaner and more energy efficient economy." For the EPA announcement, click here.

Yet Another Delay Looms in the NSPS Process 

According to the EPA, the draft NSPS proposal has not yet been sent to the OMB because the OMB is backlogged. With this newest delay, the possibility that the publication of these draft regulations will come after the November elections looms larger. Some representatives of the industry say that a Republican victory in November is likely to lead to less strict emission and efficiency requirements in the NSPS. 

Focus on Sustainability        

Context is Everything: The Debate Continues 

A study concludes that biomass energy would increase greenhouse gas emissions. Typically, these studies focus on large scale, agro-industrial systems using biomass for electricity or biofuels. This one was based on a model of securing a staggering 20% of all energy from biomass. Here is a thoughtful response.

Focus on Pellets           

Fracking Changes Everything 

John Crouch argues that cheap natural gas that serves over half of all US homes and the vast majority of urban ones is a gamechanger. "The rural minority will be 'dying on the vine', potentially strangled by increasing thermal energy costs that eviscerate budgets of households, school districts and rural hospitals." 

National 

Alaska May Start Low-Interest Loans for Home Heating  

AK: House Bill 312 would provide a loan up to $7500 to homeowners who want to convert their homes to biomass, district heating or electric heat, natural gas or propane. The homeowner must cover the cost of a required inspection to qualify for the program.

Solar Energy in Firewood's Shadow for Heating Homes 

AZ: Despite Arizona ranking 7th in the nation for homes that heat with solar power, the number of homes that heat with firewood still outnumbers solar energy by 30 times. 

Woodcutting Season Opens in the Tahoe National Forest 

MD: A MD biomass gasifier developer testified on Bill 1004, which passed and will become law. It allows biomass thermal applications using chicken litter to qualify for in-state renewal energy credit. It also addresses the environmental impact of agricultural runoff.

OR: The 44-year old Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) in Oregon is in jeopardy because local governments which fund the agency are short on money. In its 44-years, LRAPA has seen air quality improve from a haze to breathable air, but its services may fall to the wayside. 

Wood Boilers Hearing Gets Heated 

RI: A Rhode Island House committee hearing discussed a bill that would prohibit new and existing wood boilers from operating on lots smaller than a quarter-acre.   

Biomass Energy Studies Underway at 10 VT Facilities 

VT: The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Forest Service are conducting feasibility studies for small-scale biomass systems at 10 public buildings. The program received 34 applications. The study will determine whether a biomass heating system makes sense at that facility. 

Polluting Outdoor Wood Boilers on Chopping Block in VT 

VT: Uncertified outdoor wood boilers located within 200 feet of a residence, school or healthcare facility must be removed or destroyed by December 31, 2012. VT Air Pollution Control Division is providing financial incentives to replace these polluting units with efficient ones. 

WVU's Lights a Fire Under Emerging Firewood Industry

WV: West Virginia University Extension specialist Dave McGill is working with partners to develop a "Friends of Firewood" network which aims to educate firewood producers to use best management practices.