The U.S. House recently passed federal energy policy that contains significant benefits for consumers of pellet heat. The house energy bill (H.R. 6) passed a floor vote on April 21 st and includes consumer discounts of 25 percent (up to $3,000) for the purchase of pellet heating system. For the first time, federal energy policy would give specific incentives for consumers and small businesses to purchase pellet appliances.

Rep. Charles Bass (NH) introduced the pellet provisions into the bill's renewable energy title and worked hard to ensure that they survived to the final vote. The significance of having the House endorse legislation that rewards consumers for choosing pellets is a momentous step forward for the pellet hearth industry.

The U.S. Senate will now have to respond with its version of energy legislation. A draft bill could be released by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in early May. Once the Senate passes its bill, the House and Senate conference will begin. The Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) will be lobbying Senators to include Bass' provisions in the Senate's energy bill as well.

The impact from this legislation could be monumental and would significantly boost the pellet fuel and appliance markets. The success of winning this important victory for pellets cannot be understated. This is a very important first step for achieving continued government awareness of the industry and its energy goals.

For more information, or to learn more about the energy bill, visit www.pelletheat.org , or contact Elizabeth Odina, Manager of Government Affairs, at (703) 522-6778, or Odina@pelletheat.org .