Firewood banks

Last call for this year's firewood bank grants

This year's funding will run out soon and applications are done on a first come, first serve basis. We hope and expect to have more funds in September to continue this program. So far, AGH has approved $550,000 in grants.

Firewood bank success stories

There are likely hundreds of firewood banks across the country. Our grants to about 50 of those groups is a start to bolstering their inpsiring work to help elderly and low-income families. Here are some of their stories.

News round-up

Wood banks emerge as a vital source of heat

Wood banks see highest demand to date

Hopi people experiencing a lack of firewood

AGH welcomes new full-time staff

Darian Dyer has jointed the AGH as a Policy Analyst focusing on equity issues in residential wood heating, wood banks, energy audits and electrification. She recently got a Masters degree in Environmental Governance and calls Arkansas her home.

Agencies

Alaska, EPA clash in court over air quality

Alaska asserts that the EPA failed to oversee and certify woodstoves properly and has failed to act on their Implementation Plan to improve air quality.

EPA revises National Ambient Air Standards

The EPA revised its health-based annual PM2.5 standard from 12.0 µg/m3 to 9.0 to 10.0 µg/m. It did not change the 24 hr standard, disappointing many air quality advocates.

DOE Zero Energy Standards Include Wood Heat

DOE’s ZERO program accelerates the adoption of cost-effective building technologies by establishing guidelines for and recognizing energy-efficient and demand-flexible residential buildings.

USDA announces $41 million for wood energy and innovation grants

Grants are to strengthen wood energy markets and support sustainable forest management – particularly in areas of high wildfire risk. Community and commercial biomass heating projects are eligible. Deadline is March 23.

Wood Heater Design Challenge at HPBExpo

The Wood Heater Design Challenge has a booth (#2239) at the HPBExpo in Louisville this year. If you are going, stop by and meet the winning teams and the crew from DOE, BNL, LBL and AGH.

Gas Stoves

Why restrictions on gas stoves matter

Gas stoves matter to climate and to the gas industry because they serve as gateway appliances to the dominant residential uses of natural gas: heating and hot water. Replacing gas with electric heating and cooking is cheaper, cleaner and far better for the environment. And, unlike wood and pellet stoves, gas stoves vent directly into the home. This chef already made the shift away from dinosaur fuel - to a renewable (wood).

State News

Heating Fuel Prices and Supply Stabilize

Maine: Fuel costs in Maine are starting to stabilize. Wood pellets cost $312/ton on average as of Jan. 17. For firewood, the statewide average cost is $350 a cord for partially seasoned, delivered, with a two cord minimum. 

Efficiency Vermont: Rebates for stoves and boilers

Vermont: Central wood pellet furnaces and boilers are eligible for up to $6,000 cash back. Air-to-water heat pumps can earn you up to $6,500 cash back.

International News

Ecodesign for solid fuel heating appliances

Europe: This press release from a European test lab describes the eco-design and eco-labelling requirements. Eco-design involves stricter emission standards, recycled materials, etc.

Wood stoves restricted in parts of Chile

Chile: Due to poor air quality, Chile is banning the use of wood heaters (except pellets) in three provinces. Firewood merchants must have a municipal tax and forest documentation, to prove the legal origin of the firewood.

Wood shields baker from soaring costs

France: The cost of wood in France, has only risen by three to five percent compared to the sky-high costs of electricity. This baker has kept his costs down.

Gazans turn to wood as energy prices soar

Gaza: Carbon release is the least problematic for using wood in places territories like Gaza – and in large countries like India. It’s the pollution, forest health and sustainability that are the primary problems.