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Current Action - Introducing the 113th Congress to Biomass Thermal Energy & Reintroducing Biomass Thermal Legislation
The biomass thermal industry needs your help now. As the 113th Congress begins its new session, there is newfound momentum for tackling climate change and promoting clean energy policy. Capitalizing on this momentum is key for developing legislation that is informed about the potential contributions of biomass thermal energy. BTEC members are one of our most effective voices in educating lawmakers and catalyzing policy parity for biomass thermal energy.
Why?
As a constituent of your state and district, you have an invaluable, direct connection to your Representative and Senators that we do not. A simple phone call or letter to your Senators may prove critical in helping us inform policymakers about the regulatory and tax issues they will be taking up this session.
How?
So, what are we asking you to do? It only takes 3 simple steps:
- Read - Get up to speed on recent biomass thermal legislation by reviewing the Expanding Industrial Energy and Water Efficiency Incentives Act of 2012 here >>
- Locate - Find both of your Senators and your Representative via the BTEC "Contact Your Rep" App below.
- Send - Customize the letter here >>, and cut/paste the text into your specific Congressperson's "Contact Field" (identified in the tool below). Encourage him or her to support tax partiy for biomass thermal technologies and fuels.
Contacting your Congress members can return biomass thermal energy to the collection of solutions being considered in the 113th Congress. Often it is direct input from constituents like you that can deliver results and set priorities in Congress.
BTEC "Contact Your Rep" App
To find your Senators and Representative, simply provide your address in the box below and click 'Submit.' Your legislators, their pictures, and contact information will appear below.
Please let us know when you get in touch with your elected officials by copying BTEC on the email or by sending us a note afterwards. If you have any additional questions or would like to discuss this further, email joseph.seymour@biomassthermal.org. |
Ongoing Action - Build the Congressional Biomass Caucus
Officially launched on July 13, 2011, the first Congressional Biomass Caucus will serve to elevate biomass energy in the U.S. House of Representatives. BTEC issued a statement supporting the caucus’s creation, and continues its work to further build and develop the caucus. The Congressional Biomass Caucus has already garnered bipartisan support and currently claims twenty-one members from fifteen different states. View the current roster below.
Congressional Biomass Caucus Roster (as of December 2012)
| Congressional Member |
District |
Party |
| Rep. Charlie Bass (Co-Chair) |
NH-2 |
R |
| Rep. Peter Welch (Co-Chair) |
VT |
D |
| Rep. John Barrow |
GA-12 |
D |
| Rep. Russ Carnahan |
MO-3 |
D |
| Rep. Bill Cassidy |
LA-6 |
R |
| Rep. Peter DeFazio |
OR-4 |
D |
| Rep. Richard Hanna |
NY-24 |
R |
| Rep. Gregg Harper |
MS-3 |
R |
| Rep. Wally Herger |
CA-2 |
R |
| Rep. Maurice Hinchey |
NY-22 |
D |
| Rep. Tim Holden |
PA-17 |
D |
| Rep. Jim McGovern |
MA-3 |
D |
| Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers |
WA-5 |
R |
| Rep. Mike Michaud |
ME-2 |
D |
| Rep. Bill Owens |
NY-23 |
D |
| Rep. Hal Rogers |
KY-5 |
R |
| Rep. Aaron Schock |
IL-18 |
R |
| Rep. Kurt Schrader |
OR-5 |
D |
| Rep. Louise M. Slaughter |
NY-28 |
D |
| Rep. Paul Tonko |
NY-21 |
D |
| Rep. Greg Walden |
OR-2 |
R |
Don't see your Representative? The staff at BTEC is here to help you reach out quickly and effectively to your Representative. We urge you to express your desire for the Representative to join the Congressional Biomass Caucus. Instructions on joining the group are below.
Why Should my Representative Join the Caucus?
BTEC needs your help ensuring that this caucus includes members of Congress from across the country, representing all biomass feedstocks and thermal technologies. As a constituent, you can help recruit your Congressional Representatives for the Biomass Caucus.
As you may know, biomass thermal is part of a wide range of renewable energy sources that can improve energy security while also reducing the nation's oil consumption. Emphasize that the Congressional Biomass Caucus will allow companies and associations focused on biomass, such as your own, to share with legislators the benefits of biomass thermal. You will probably feel most comfortable just talking about your company or organization and its top priorities as a part of the biomass thermal industry.
How to Talk to Your Congressperson's Office
You can make a big difference by calling or writing your Representative to encourage him or her to join the caucus. Use the following steps below.
1. Whom should I contact?
Identify your Representative using the BTEC tool above >>
Your member of Congress is invested in the success of their district, state, and constituents. Hearing from you helps direct and inform their legislative priorities. In other words, if you don't call, they won't know about biomass thermal and--most likely--won't join the caucus.
2. How should I act and what should I do when on the phone with Congressional staff?
Remember to be courteous, informed, and assertive. When you call your elected official's office, ask for the specific staff member who handles energy issues and state the purpose of your call. Once you reach that staff member, clearly mention who you are and what your connection to the district is. Then, offer reasons for your support, ask that the congressman join the Biomass Caucus, and ask for a formal response to your request.
This may be the first time that the staff member has heard of biomass thermal issues, so don't be surprised if the congressman has no stance on the issue.
3. What if I get directed to voicemail?
Clearly leave your name and contact information, as well as the reason for your call. Also, mention that you would like a response to your question, and that you'll try to contact the office again within the next few days.
4. What's the next step after I make my call?
First, pat yourself on the back for helping out the biomass thermal industry! Then, email or call Joseph Seymour (joseph.seymour@biomassthermal.org; 202-596-3974 x 302) to let him know you've made the connection. BTEC will then follow-up with the office to maximize the impact of your efforts. |
