A bill introduced in Massachusetts last winter offers a definition of "net zero" builidng that specifically excludes combustion as a means of primary space heating. In mid-July, a bill initially introduced in February by Rep. Simon Cataldo to the 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was heard by the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee. The bill, officially H.3151, offers a definition of “net zero” building initially called for when the Commonwealth established the Office of Energy Resources and outlined its powers and duties.

In the past year and a half, the Pellet Fuels Institute has found itself in the vexing position of testifying before two different committees within the International Code Council, defending the renewable nature of wood pellets for home heating.

The inclusion of a 30% tax credit for qualifying residential pellet appliances in the sweeping Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has rightly been called the single largest policy victory for the wood pellet industry to date

As the industry plunges headlong into the heart of the home heating season and consumers fire up their pellet appliances, we are being reminded that despite the year's unique marketplace dynamics, it is the weather that drives demand.

A 30% tax credit on qualifying appliances is a tailwind for the wood pellet sector. Now, the work of maximizing its marketplace impact falls to industry participants.

The war in the Ukraine has disrupted commodity markets across the world, including wood pellets.

If winter is to remain a shorter and milder affair, pellet producers will need more appliances to fuel if the market for wood pellets is to grow.

Winter's chill and it's staying power will determine whether this year's home heating season will be a boom or a bust.

Considering the uncertainty that surrounded the pellet industry and others that wood pellet producers rely on, 2020 must be considered a runaway success.