The PFI Annual Conference is the premiere trade show and conference for the domestic pellet fuels industry. By attending, you will have key opportunities to network with your colleagues across the country, and to learn about the latest trends in pellet fuels. Get the latest updates on the PFI Standards Program and federal policy initiatives that could benefit the pellet fuels industry. Check out the finalized conference schedule here. 

Hotel rooms for the PFI Annual Conference in Stowe, VT, are going fast! As of this week, only 10 rooms are still available, so be sure to book as soon as possible. Book your room today! Staying at the Stowe Mountain Lodge makes attending the PFI annual conference convenient and easy. All PFI attendees receive a discounted rate of $259. Take advantage of this discount while it lasts! (NOTE: Registration for the conference does not automatically reserve a hotel room. Please make sure that you have both registered AND booked your hotel room to ensure that your accommodations are provided for.) 

Stowe has been a destination for world travelers for well over a century. The alpine style of the lodge reflects the beauty of the green mountains and rolling hills. Having opened in June 2008, Stowe Mountain Lodge sets a new standard of luxury and aesthetics for the East Coast's most magnificent resort. Built at the base of Stowe Mountain Resort, in the new "Vermont-Alpine" style, Stowe Mountain Lodge offers a truly luxurious setting while still paying respect to the Vermont traditions of utilizing local artisan products and embracing the tranquility of nature. 

We can't wait to see you this July in Stowe! Sign up today to secure your spot. 

In conjunction with a dynamic conference program, you can visit some of the nearby sites like the Alchemist Brewery and some of the best shopping and dining Vermont has to offer. Combined with some of the area outdoor activities such as zip lining, biking, the PFI conference is a must-attend event. Take a look at all the great things Stowe has to offer.  

We hope to see you this summer in Vermont! Please contact [email protected] with any questions. 

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Discussion of tax extenders, including our pellet stove credit within Sec. 25C, has been shelved for the first half of 2017. With a new Administration highlighting comprehensive tax reform as a key agenda item and House Republican leadership echoing the same, there has been little appetite for discussing extending tax credits that have lapsed. That dynamic maybe changing, however, as progress on comprehensive tax reform proposals has stalled and indications are that there may be interest in moving a tax extenders package sometime in the 3^rd or 4^th quarter.  PFI will be making the rounds on Capitol Hill to ensure that there is broad support for our stove credit if and when a tax extenders push is initiated. 

A key item that we are lobbying to have added to any tax extension bill is the Biomass Thermal Utilization Act of 2017, also known as the BTU Act, which was introduced (S. 1480 and H.R. 3161) in June. The bills are the same as last Congress, affording a 30 percent investment tax credit (of total installed cost) for purchases of high efficiency biomass heating systems at both the residential and commercial levels. Senators King (I-ME) and Collins (R-ME) are the leads in the Senate, while Representatives Welch (D-VT) and Kelly (R-PA) are the leads in the House. Rep. Kelly's leadership on this bill is significant as he sits on the influential Ways & Means Committee where all tax legislation is considered.   

The BTU Act is being supported by new groups of allies, including the wood products sector.   Flooring mills and other hard and softwood facilities are encountering an emerging crisis as piles of residuals-that had been destined for pellet mills or pulp and paper facilities-continue to grow at their manufacturing sites. That sector views this legislation as a way to stimulate demand for the domestic pellet industry, thereby increasing markets for sawdust. Both the Hardwood Federation and the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association-two organizations that have lobbyists and political action committees--are actively lobbying for enactment of the bill.   In addition to these two groups, the Biomass Power Association has also signed up to lobby for enactment of this bill. Power facilities believe that the heat they generate on site can be captured and used, thereby qualifying for the credit.  

Also the National Wildlife Federation sent a letter to every Member of Congress urging support for this bill.  NWF sees the BTU Act as a positive for rural economic development and a productive means at stimulating markets for low-grade timber.