Shaheen and EPA Administrator McCarthy Tout Importance of Biomass Energy to Reducing Carbon Pollution

November 16, 2015 – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy tour Lavalley Middleton Building Supply in Middleton, NH. 

A high resolution version of the photo is available here.

November 16, 2015 – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy discuss the Clean Power Plan and biomass energy at Lavalley Middleton Building Supply in Middleton, NH. 

A high resolution version of the photo is available here.

(Middleton, NH) – This morning, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy joined company leadership at Lavalley Middleton Building Supply in Middleton and biomass stakeholders to discuss the federal initiative to reduce carbon emissions and the important role biomass energy production can play in this effort. The Clean Power Plan (CPP) establishes the first-ever national standards to limit carbon pollution from power plants and sets state-specific targets for carbon emissions reductions. States have the flexibility to establish their own plans to meet CPP standards, and at today’s event, Administrator McCarthy announced that the EPA will hold a workshop that will assist states in making biomass a part of their plans.

“LaValley Middleton Building Supply is a great example of a Granite State business doing its part to reduce carbon pollution,” said Shaheen. “Biomass systems are a win-win for New Hampshire as they support our forest products industry and help New Hampshire lead the way in reducing emissions that are contributing to climate change. It was a pleasure to be with Administrator McCarthy today to see firsthand how a forward-thinking company is embracing biomass energy to improve its bottom-line and the environment.” 

“For states with abundant forest resources like New Hampshire that are crucial to the local, regional and national economy, those resources need to be maintained and enhanced for the health of those industries. Good forestry practices are good for both the economy, but also the planet’s climate health,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Biomass and bioenergy products can be an integral part of state’s climate protection plans that promote responsible land management and renewable energy. If done right – this approach can promote healthy forests, support local economies, and cut carbon pollution”.

LaValley Middleton Building Supply uses a 400kW wood-fired, steam-turbine generator that turns waste wood produced at the facility into electricity and heat, significantly reducing its emissions and fuel consumption. The system was installed in 2007 to adapt to economic challenges and rising electricity costs. Shaheen has been a leading advocate for these clean and efficient power production systems, known as combined heat and power. Earlier this year, Shaheen introduced the Heat Efficiency through Applied Technology (HEAT) Act and the Clean Distributed Energy Grid Integration Act, legislative proposals that would address the major technical and regulatory barriers that often prevent heat recovery technologies from being adopted.