BETC Gets a Boost

The proposed Biomass Plant in Warm Springs will be one of many projects to benefit from new legislation passed recently to promote sustainable and renewable energy practices in Oregon. Signed in to law on July 31st by Governor Kulongoski, House Bill 3201 raised the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC) from covering 35 per cent of a business’s eligible project costs to 50 percent. Karnopp Petersen partnered with their client, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, to participate in the legislative process by refining the bill and ensuring the benefits had a positive impact in practice.

The Tribe’s proposed biomass plant is designed to use woody biomass – including wood waste from forest health projects on tribal and adjoining federal forest lands to generate enough renewable energy. When the plant is completed, it is expected to produce enough energy to power more than 12,000 homes as well as create jobs on the reservation. In addition to working with the Tribe on legislative benefits, Karnopp Petersen is assisting with legal advice throughout the complicated project planning, financing and construction process.

“We are excited to assist the Tribe in developing an environmentally sustainable project that will provide not only electricity, but economic growth for the reservation,” said Jim Noteboom, lead partner for the Karnopp Petersen biomass team.