SWANA Chapters Eligible to Join the Applied Research Foundation
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Md., has announced that SWANA chapters are now eligible to become subscribers of the SWANA Applied Research Foundation (ARF).
The North Carolina chapter is the first chapter to join the foundation. Applied Research Foundation Director Jeremy O’Brien says, “The North Carolina chapter board is to be commended for taking the initiative to become a foundation subscriber and to pave the way for SWANA chapters to participate in and support the foundation’s research efforts.”
The annual subscription fee of $10 per chapter member enables the chapter to join one of the foundation’s four research groups: collection, recycling, waste to energy and landfill disposal. Membership offers free, unlimited access to all the research reports developed during each year that the chapter participates as a subscriber. Chapter members also are able to purchase any of the 35 reports from past years at a 50 percent discount.
“NC-SWANA is proud to participate in SWANA’s Applied Research Foundation, supporting meaningful research in the field of solid waste management,” says Michael Etheridge, president of SWANA’s North Carolina chapter. “Our support will be put to direct use by the industry, addressing issues related to collection, disposal, recycling, waste-to-energy, etc.,” he adds.
American Biogas Council Applauds Introduction of the Biogas Investment Tax Credit Act
The American Biogas Council (ABC) says it applauds the introduction of the Biogas Investment Tax Credit Act of 2013 (HR 860) by Reps. Ron Kind, D-Wis., and John Lewis, D-Ga., which would provide a 30 percent investment tax credit (ITC) for qualifying biogas technologies. This bill would add biogas to the list of renewables that currently receive a 30 percent federal investment tax credit.
According to ABC Executive Director Patrick Serfass, projects that inject renewable natural gas into the gas pipeline or use the biogas to power vehicle fleets would benefit from the credit. “This tax credit will help a dairy farmer who makes biogas from cow manure and then uses it to heat the buildings and power the trucks that deliver the milk,” Serfass says. “Without it, the farmer may not be able to make that investment,” he continues. “Indeed, the ITC would also facilitate the conversion of food waste to biogas that can be injected into natural gas pipelines.”
The association states in a press release, “The introduction of HR 860 reflects the importance that biogas can play in our nation’s energy mix,” during this “turbulent time in Congress.”
The ABC adds, “While biogas projects that generate electricity are eligible for a production tax credit under Section 45 of the federal tax code, currently no comparable tax incentive exists for the production of biogas when used for purposes other than electricity generation.”
Biomass Thermal Energy Council Board of Directors Elects New Executive Officers
The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC), Washington, D.C., has announced its newly elected executive officers for the 2013 board of directors:
- Chairman Dan Wilson, vice president of Wilson Engineering Services;
- Vice Chair Dan Arnett, biomass coordinator for Ernst Conservation Seeds;
- Treasurer Robert Davis, founder and CEO of Forest Energy Corp.; and
- Secretary John Ackerly, president of the Alliance for Green Heat.
“Our new leadership captures the breadth of the organization and the biomass industry overall,” says Joseph Seymour, BTEC executive director. “Their diverse skill sets include engineering, agricultural fuels, forest restoration and consumer advocacy.”
Former BTEC Chairman Charlie Niebling, New England Wood Pellet general manager, serves as director and chair of the BTEC Policy Committee.
“Charlie was instrumental in BTEC’s founding and growing it to the nationally recognized industry voice it is today,” Seymour says. “He has been a truly exceptional leader and valued resource to BTEC’s members, staff and other directors.”