On April 11, Garrett Costello and Kayla Trotter, gave a presentation to the Burney Chamber of Commerce on the status of development of the Bioenergy Cluster Project in the Intermountain area.
The project plans include the development of 3 small-scale community based energy facilities. The three proposed facilities are Burney-Hat Creek Bioenergy, Tubit Enterprises, and McArthur Bioenergy.
The activity is supported by California Senate Bill 1122 that establishes a feed-in tariff contract (BioMAT) for small renewable electricity producers to sell power to Investor Owned Utilities (PG&E) at higher rates than are offered to larger utility scale power producers. The bill also mandates state-wide procurement of renewable biomass from small facilities that utilize low emission technologies.
Bioenergy is considered carbon neutral and has been recognized by the California Forest Carbon Plan as having a vital role in combating the effects of climate change.
Cal Fire, public and private land owners, and the U.S. Forest Service (via the Wood Innovation Grant), are committed to harvesting downed and diseased material to prevent catastrophic wildfire, and preserve forest health,.
It is hoped that bioenergy facilities will spur economic development, create jobs, strengthen our forest, and bring energy independence to rural mountain communities.
Sponsors of the project include the U.S. Forest Service and the Fall River Resource Conservation District in cooperation with public and private land owners.
Burney Hat Creek has already completed several critical predevelopment steps. Tubit Enterprises and McArthur Bioenergy are in early stages of development
For more information contact: FRRCD Project Manager Todd Sloat
Pit River Country 