Take Action

Current 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 2011

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 REPRESENATIVE 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.

TAKE ACTION TODAY!

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 link below: find Your Representative >>

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 me (joseph.seymour@biomassthermal.org; 202-596-3974 x 302) to let me know you've made the connection. We will then follow-up with the office to maximize the impact of your efforts.