Congressman Walsh and Industry Leaders Updated on Shrub Willow as a Renewable Energy Resource

Leaders gather at ESF's Woody Biomass Field Station
9/21

(Tully) - Congressman James T. Walsh (NY-25th) visited the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) Woody Biomass Field Station in Tully, New York on September 18, 2006 for a tour the of facility, a detailed briefing on shrub willow energy crop commercialization and associated international efforts, and demonstrations of commercial planting and harvesting.

The visit was hosted by Cornelius B. Murphy Jr., PhD, President, SUNY-ESF along with; Dr. Tim Volk - Research Scientist and Project Team Leader, and Dr. Maureen Fellows - "Greening of Afghanistan" Project Leader.

"There has been growing interest in the development of renewable energy sources," said Rep. Jim Walsh (NY-25).  "It's important to note that SUNY-ESF has been researching and developing the use of woody biomass as an alternative energy source since the mid 1990's."

Since 1995, Congressman Walsh has used his position on the House Appropriations Committee to leverage $4.2 million for SUNY-ESF's woody biomass project.

Also attending; Chief Operating Officer Catalyst Renewables Corp, Lloyd Kolb whose company is the owner of the first commercial shrub willow energy crop plantation in the United States located in Lewis County. Catalyst plans a plantation expansion of an additional 500 acres in 2007 including 200-potential acres in Onondaga County, and

James Olcott of Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. Siemens Building Technologies, Inc, the City of Syracuse and SUNY-ESF are collaborating on a planned Syracuse-based willow-fueled power facility producing CO2-neutral renewable electricity.