Pellet Mill Press - January 5, 2021

January 5, 2021

COVID relief bill will be a gamechanger for residential wood heat The $900 billion COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress on Dec. 21 includes provisions of the BTU Act and will enact a three-year investment tax credit (ITC) for high-efficiency home heating equipment that fires wood pellets, chips or cordwood. READ MORE SHARE
Trump signs COVID-19 relief, tax extenders package President Trump on Dec. 27 signed a legislative package that includes tax extenders, $900 billion in COVID-19 relief, and government funding, averting a government shutdown and providing a new tax credit for residential wood heating. READ MORE SHARE
	EIA: Densified biomass fuel sales reach 780,000 tons in August The U.S. Energy Information Administration recently released data showing U.S. manufacturers produced approximately 840,000 tons of densified biomass fuel in August, with sales reaching 780,000 tons. READ MORE SHARE
Enviva, GoChain pilot blockchain technology for biomass Wood pellet producer Enviva and GoChain, a blockchain company, on Dec. 21 announced the initial results of a pilot program designed to enhance the traceability of sustainable biomass. Enviva said the pilot could augment accuracy of its T&T system. READ MORE SHARE
Drax Biomass donates $20,000 to help rebuild Louisiana buildings Drax Biomass is donating a total of $20,000 to help communities in northern Louisiana rebuild two hurricane-damaged public buildings, including Urania’s recreation hall and the public pavilion in the town of Olla. READ MORE SHARE
Biden to nominate Regan as EPA administrator President-elect Joe Biden is expected to announce Michael Regan as his nominee to serve as administrator of the U.S EPA. Representatives of the biofuels industry are expressing hope that Regan will bring a change in philosophy to the agency. READ MORE SHARE
Drax to sell gas assets, will use proceeds on biomass initiatives Drax on Dec. 15 announced it has reached an agreement to sell its natural gas-fueled power generation assets. The company said it will use the proceeds from the sale to develop its biomass supply chain and support its plans to become carbon negative. READ MORE SHARE
CV Technology releases Interceptor-QV explosion isolation device CV Technology has released a new explosion isolation device, the Interceptor-QV. It uses a system where a differential pressure switch continuously monitors the pressure drop across the mesh cartridge, alerting operators if buildup of dust occurs. READ MORE SHARE