Wood ash has been used by farmers to improve soil and crop production for centuries. However, wood ash was not available as a commodity for large-scale use until the 1980s when several wood-fired electrical-generating power plants were built throughout the Northeast. The benefits of these wood-fired power plants were two-fold: the production of local, clean, renewable energy, and the other product generated – organic wood ash. Wood Ash is the perfect product for Northeastern soils because it is a natural, local fertilizer that has the added benefit of fast-acting lime.
Right now, wood ash and Biomass Plants throughout New Hampshire are facing a challenge. HB 225 is threatening to repeal NH’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program which is essential in keeping Biomass Plants throughout New Hampshire operating. It also supports solar, hydro, geothermal, wind and other renewable technologies.
Yesterday, Shelagh Connelly and Charley Hanson from RMI, along with 50 other people testified, while over 125 people traveled to the Concord State House to support the RPS. RMI supplied informational handouts and sample bags of Wood Ash from local Biomass Plants to the committee who were thrilled to see the product close up.
Spread the word and read more about HB 225 and NH’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program below:
http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?sy=2017&id=327&txtFormat=html