BTEC Announces Nov. 10 Webinar, Western Regional Perspectives on Biomass Energy

Online, November 2, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) today announced open registration for its newest webinar, "Regional Focus on Biomass Energy: the West," on November 10th at 4PM ET, 1 PM PT. This webinar is the second in a three-part series examining biomass heating markets and policies in different regions of the United States. This event is made possible with funding from the U.S. Forest Service's (USFS) Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC).

Though the Western U.S. may have started the movement towards advanced biomass heating, using pellets and high efficiency stoves, overall it has not widely the adopted technology compared to other regions. However, the Western region views biomass thermal as a forest lands management tool and methods for reinvigorating local economies, while also pursuing sustainable energy resources on a state level. The 11th BTEC webinar will discuss the current situation in the West, examine challenges and opportunities for market development, and analyze successful state policies and regional advocacy.

The webinar's presenters include Chad Davis, the director of the Forest Stewardship Program with Sustainable Northwest, who will present an overview of the current resources in the West. Marcus Kauffman, a leading consultant and biomass resource specialist for the Oregon Department of Forestry, who will discuss market development. Additionally, Angela Farr of the USFS and formerly of the Fuels for Schools program will discuss state and regional biomass policies in the West. 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#west

"Whether it is Washington D.C. or Washington State, understanding regional differences in biomass energy use is key to effective and informed advocacy and outreach," said Seymour. "This webinar will explore how the Western region utilizes its forests to broaden the biomass thermal frontier - stimulating economic growth and sustainable forest management."

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
[email protected]

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.