The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) today announced the third webinar in its series of free educational webinars on key topics for the biomass thermal community. "Biomass Energy - A Policy Outlook: Programs, Legislation and the new Congress," will be held January 27, 2011 at 1PM ET.

WASHINGTON, January 13 - The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) today announced the third webinar in its series of free educational webinars on key topics for the biomass thermal community. "Biomass Energy - A Policy Outlook: Programs, Legislation and the new Congress," will be held January 27, 2011 at 1PM ET. This event is made possible with funding from the USDA Forest Service's Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC).

This webinar will explore recent biomass thermal legislation, investigate existing policies and programs, and discuss legislative scenarios for biomass energy in the 112th Congress. Featured presenters include Steve Marshall, US Forest Service Assistant Director of Cooperative Forestry, Jesse Dickerman, Director of Industry and Government Relations for Zilkha Biomass Energy, and a U.S. congressional staff member to be announced. Joseph Seymour, BTEC Program Coordinator for Policy and Government Affairs, will moderate the event.

Registration for this free event is required. See https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/299660139.

"Renewable energy policies in our nation have consistently fallen short of addressing thermal energy, especially with biomass," said Seymour. "I look forward to an engaging discussion with our speakers on current and potential biomass policies."

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;

Joseph Seymour
Program Coordinator - Policy and Government Affairs
Biomass Thermal Energy Council
joseph.seymour@biomassthermal.org.

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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. http://www.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, and applied information.