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Top stories in past issues:
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Focus on NSPS
New EPA stove regulations become law on May 15
As of May 15, all new stoves and boilers made in the US have to be certified and meet stricter emission standards. Possibly the biggest immediate impact is that no more unregulated outdoor boilers can be built and distributed in the US.
What consumers need to know about new EPA wood stove rules
 AGH - In the long lead-up to the EPA's new rules on wood and pellet stoves and boilers, there have been many claims, predictions, and fears. Here is a summary of the key points that will impact you, the consumer.
HPBA v. EPA (pdf link)
HBPA is filing a lawsit against the EPA's residential wood heater rule. The basis of the suit is not yet disclosed, but industry experts say HBPA will challenge the cost effectiveness of Step 2 standards.
Biomass Magazine: NSPS positions of HPBA, PFI, AGH, BTEC, HHT etc.
A comprehensive article covering diverse opinions about the EPA's new stove rules from interviews with John Crouch, Jennifer Hedrick, Joe Seymour, John Ackerly, and Kelsey Scheel.
AP: Some states fight to keep their wood fires burning
Missouri and Michigan already have barred their agencies from enforcing the EPA stoves standards and Virginia, Minnesota and Wisconsin may follow.
ME Editorial: Wood stove rules need help to clear the air
The new EPA standards are a good start and Maine should fund a program, like other states have, to install high efficiency stoves and heat pumps.
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AGH Projects and Activities
Utah HB 396: A hastily crafted bill that misses the mark
 AGH - A bill drafted by industry would mandate certain types of change out programs and set air quality levels that can be used to call no burn days. AGH has urged the Governor to veto it. AGH argues that "a law barring seasonal bans is not needed now. What is needed is funding and creative measures to reduce wood smoke."
 Extreme wood stoves: Odd & innovative designs from Ancient Greece to today
AGH - Over the centuries, wood stove makers have tried all sorts of designs to transfer heat to a room and to capture the imagination of consumers - or just their own imagination. This shows that history in 20 photos.
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Washington Watch
BTEC, PFI applaud Executive Order for recognizing thermal energy in federal GHG reduction goals
BTEC and PFI commend President Obama's commitment to expanding the use of renewable thermal energy with the issuance of Executive Order "Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade."
Rumor of the Month: EPA puts cookouts in its crosshairs
The rumor of the month award goes to Congressman Jason Smith (R-Missouri) for putting out a press release saying the EPA is going to regulate your BBQ grill. Despite efforts by the HPBA to quell this, its hard to kill a good rumor.
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Focus on Innovation
ÖkoFEN introduces cogeneration pellet boiler in Europe
A revolutionary 5 kWe cogen pellet boiler prototype boiler system, designed and manufactured by ÖkoFEN, with Qnergy's Stirling engine inside, was introduced to the market.
 Swiss develop affordable bag houses for wood stoves
The micro-dust filters from Oeko-Solve will efficiently reduce the micro-dust emission from wood stove and boilers.
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Moldova, Eastern Europe: Eighty biomass boilers and 21 solar collectors for community buildings are planned for this country sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania.
British Columbia, Canada: The wood stove debate in Parksville pits neighbor against neighbor. Politicians need to make tough choices that will improve air quality.
World Health Organization: Increasing efficiency and emission standards for wood stoves has co-benefits of helping to slow climate change and improve health.
States
Fairbanks needs more state for wood stove assistance
AK: Fairbanks' wintertime air pollution problem is far from fixed, so some members of the Borough Assembly want to ask the state for money to continue the popular wood stove exchange program.
AR: Editorial: The Obama Administration is going after anyone who adds to the nation's carbon footprint: even little smokestacks. Its just more federal government overreach and its ridiculous.
AL: US Senator Shelby vowed to help Innovative Hearth Products fight against EPA and said he would convene a meeting in his office and introduce legislation. However, he said despite Republican majorities in both House and Senate, "change is unlikely."
CA: The Bay Area is updating its wood smoke regulations and one of the new proposals is to require the removal of an old stove when a house gets sold.
DE: A local retailer predicted little change as a result of the new EPA rules. Cost increases will likely be negligible, he said.
ID: Oregon, Idaho, and Washington residents are among the top polluters in the nation when it comes to fine particle emissions from burning wood to hear homes.
ID: Kuma stoves, based in Idaho, said stove prices could go up $300 - $400 per stove and will especially impact small manufacturers, like Kuma.
IN: A local retailer said that his stoves would not be effected. "The real focus is outdoor wood boilers. ... That is the real issue they are trying to solve. Finally they did something," he said.
KY: Editorial: The EPA is simply stepping in where they don't belong. The EPA should know there are many who cant afford one of their approved heaters. The agency needs to back off.
MA: The state of MA sees potential for more pellet heating and are developing regulations that will require pellet producers to use wood sources that are certified as sustainable.
MI: YouTube: A Michigan Republican senator is concerned: "Its designed to eliminate outdoor wood boilers," he said. But a local retailers says more efficient stoves will save consumers money. MN: A local retailer says new wood stoves are safer, as they don't add so much creosote to your chimney and we don't have to cut down so many trees. Lawmakers hold off on taking on EPA MN: Minnesota lawmakers are waiting to take on the EPA over new standards for wood burning stoves and furnaces. Only Vermont pumps out more fine particles emissions per person from wood heaters. Missoula way ahead of EPA on stove management MT: While other places have hard work ahead to meet new federal wood smoke rules, Missoula has been ahead of the game for years. New EPA wood stove rules concern makers, users NC: A PR person for Buck Stoves, made in NC, says "our stance is not a negative one with the EPA. We all breathe the same air." EPA rules for wood stoves get updated OH: John Clarke, who heats his wood with 14 - 16 cords in an outdoor boiler says "I think its clean enough." A director with the Ohio Environmental Council said the new law is a "no brainer." Wood stove replacement program gets $1.5 M OR: The Oregon Legislature approved $1.5 million for the wood stove replacement program in Klamath and Lake counties. The funds are to be split evenly between the counties. Turn on the gas fireplace, lower the thermostat OR: Thanks to design changes in recent years, many gas fireplaces are energy-efficient enough to qualify for state tax credits and Energy Trust of Oregon incentives. New wood stoves rules raising eyebrows SD: South Dakota has no plans to buck the new regulations and a state official says there is no reason to worry about existing laws. Utah considers limits on stoves UT: As the federal government moves forward with new rules for wood burning stoves, Utah state officials are grappling with how to locally regulate stoves that contribute to polluted winter air. Vermont Casting closes VT plant; stove to built in PA VT: For years, Vermont Casting has been passed from owner to owner and the results have not been good. What was once the world's largest manufacturer of cast iron stoves has lost ground. WI: Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin are pushing a bill that would prohibit the Department of Natural Resources from enforcing new national regulations limiting pollution from wood fired heaters.
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Upcoming Conferences and Webinars
Little Switzerland, NC, April 13-19, 2015
This multi-day event includes hands-on masonry stove workshops and seminars.
 Portland, ME, April 16-18, 2015
The event unites a diverse audience from the biomass sectors to break barriers and ground for biomass thermal and CHP systems.Minneapolis, MN, April 20, 2015
Heating the Midwest is a network of thermal biomass advocates working to increase awareness and usage of biomass for heat. Voorheesville, NY, May 7, 2015
Providing the firewood processing industry the latest knowledge on processing, kiln drying, and marketing of firewood. Washington, DC, June 15-16, 2015
The EIA Energy Conference has become a premier forum for addressing energy issues in the United States and worldwide.
Williamsburg, VA, July 19 - 21
The annual gathering of the Pellet Fuel Institute.
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Advertisement of the Month
Pellet stoves are awesome. But they are not 85% efficient. Quadra-Fire may make a great pellet stove, but they also need high standards in their advertising materials. The graphic incorrectly footnote their source as the DOE site energy.gov, which says, "Pellet stoves that are certified by the EPA are likely to be in the 70% to 83% efficiency range."
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