The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) today announced open registration for its newest webinar, "Regional Focus on Biomass Energy: the Northeast," on October 19th at 1PM ET, 10AM PT. This webinar is the first in a three-part series that looks at biomass heating in different regions in the US.

Registration is now open for the free educational webinar on October 19, 2011 at 1 PM ET, 10 AM PT

Washington, DC – October 10, 2011 - The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) today announced open registration for its newest webinar, "Regional Focus on Biomass Energy: the Northeast," on October 19th at 1PM ET, 10AM PT. This webinar is the first in a three-part series that looks at biomass heating in different regions of the United States. This event is made possible with funding from the USDA Forest Service's Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC).

Currently, the Northeast is the largest consumer of fuel oil and thus suffers considerably from the price fluctuations in the last years. However, the Northeast has an alternative to fuel oil with its abundant supply of biomass. This alternative has been formulated into an achievable vision, to meet at least 25% of their heating needs by renewable sources by 2025, with biomass supplying the lion's share of 19% of all thermal demand. The 10th BTEC webinar will discuss the current situation in the Northeast, examine challenges and opportunities for market development, and take a look at successful state policy and regional advocacy.

The webinar's presenters include Bill Strauss, the lead author of "A Bold Vision for 2025" and recognized as the leading domestic expert in the economics of the production and use of biomass fuels. Bill will be joined by Scott Nichols, the owner of Tarm Biomass, a third-generation family owned business, and Neil Veilleux of Meister Consultants Group, a leading company on energy policy. Joseph Seymour, BTEC Executive Director will moderate the event.
Registration for this event is free and required and available at www.biomassthermal.org/resource/webinars.asp#northeast.
"This is a thrilling time for biomass heat in the Northeast," said Seymour. "This webinar will show how regional barriers to job creation, clean energy, and utilizing domestic resources for biomass heating can be overcome and implemented in other regions."
In June 2010, the USDA Forest Service awarded BTEC a grant to advance education and outreach on biomass thermal energy. The grant project will produce an array of educational tools, including fact sheets, web resources, webinars, audio interviews, and a slide presentation for use by all stakeholders. All tools are free and are publicly accessible on the BTEC website at www.biomassthermal.org/resource.
For more information on the webinar or the grant, contact:
Emanuel Wagner
Program Coordinator - Outreach, Education and External Affairs
Biomass Thermal Energy Council
emanuel.wagner@biomassthermal.org


About the Wood Education and Resource Center

The USDA Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC) is located in Princeton, WV, and is administered by the agency's Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry organization. The Center's mission is to work with the forest products industry toward sustainable forest products production for the eastern hardwood forest region. The Center provides state-of-the-art training, technology transfer, networking opportunities, applied information. The institution is an equal opportunity provider. Learn more at www.na.fs.fed.us/werc.

About the Biomass Thermal Energy Council

The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (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. BTEC engages in research, education, and public advocacy for the fast growing biomass thermal energy industry. Learn more at www.biomassthermal.org.