A lot is discussed about the devastation these fires have on property and wildlife, but little is often shared about the impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is a bit surprising since, according to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the University of California, large wildfires in the western United States can release as much carbon dioxide in a few weeks as all of the cars do in those same areas during an entire year.

All the cars? Ok, you have my attention.

NCAR puts some data behind that statement, estimating that fires in the contiguous United States and Alaska release about 290 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year or 4 to 6 percent of the amount of the greenhouse gas that the nation releases through burning fossil fuels. In summary, forest fires can quickly release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere with only small amounts offset by regrowing vegetation in the period following the fire.

The environmental and economic impact of wildfires is not new to the US Forest Service. They have put a lot of energy into understanding and mitigating the impact of these wildfires, however their hands are tied since policy dictates how fuel can be removed from public forest lands.

It would seem reasonable, given the economic, environmental and energy potential of our forest lands that more support should be given for removing and utilizing this hazardous material and creating valuable forest products – lumber, wood chips & biomass – before we let it burn. So what don’t I get?

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The  grading criteria were chosen as an indication of a state’s commitment to supporting clean and responsible use of wood heat. These criteria were: outdoor wood boiler regulation, exempt wood stoves sales limits, incentive programs, strict regulations, educational websites, and change-out programs.

While there are limitations to the study, it does provide the best compilation I have seen to date on the ‘state of wood heat’ in the United States.

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The operation of outdoor wood boilers is a hotly contested topic in New York State. The regulations would have ensured that new OWBs burn at least 90 percent cleaner than older models and require users to use seasoned and clean wood as opposed to garbage or other material. In addition, new OWBs would have been required to be installed a minimum of 100 feet from neighboring properties and have smokestacks at least 18 feet high. Finally, the regulation would have banned the operation of the outdoor wood furnace between June 1 and August 31 in northern New York.

This hold certainly delays the adoption of a statewide standard, while the DEC enters another public comment period.

New York State residents should view this development as a brief reprieve only. The US EPA is well under way on the development of a national standard (an NSPS) that could well trump state standards. This delay will likely result in some municipalities continuing in their efforts to regulate devices at a local level. This may turn into a rather nasty affair, so we encourage those that do push forward with their own local regulation to follow the path already laid by regulatory agencies which have spent considerable time and energy exploring viable options — Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts or Maryland.

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Greenwood Technologies outdoor wood boilers are designated by the EPA with an Orange Tag because of their low emission status. The Greenwood Aspen 175 and Greenwood Furnace Model 100 are certified for outdoor installation in the State of Vermont.  This is good news for clean burning wood boilers and wood-fired furnaces.  Read more about the debate in a NY Times article that posted on 9/19.

http://www.amny.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny–outdoorfurnaces0919sep19,0,7542616.story

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