Jonathan Parrott | Oppose HB219

Our Biomass Thermal Energy Council, recently renamed the BioThermal Energy Council, has benefited greatly in recent years from the leadership of New Hampshire resident and forester Charlie Niebling. Foremost among the attributes which Mr. Niebling brought to our national trade association was his ability to merge sound forestry practices with the national interest in replacing fossil fuel heating with modern wood heating. The Biomass Thermal Energy Council works nationally to promote modern, effective wood heating policies. New Hampshire has been the leader among states in promoting renewable energy via the renewable portfolio standard and thermal Renewable Energy Credits (TRECS). Maine and Massachusetts followed New Hampshire’s example with these programs, incorporation some beneficial changes. We respectfully urge the Science, Technology, and Energy Committee to consider extending the effectiveness of these programs, as opposed to repeal or phase-out. Jonathan Parrott, Ph.D President, BioThermal Energy Council