Overwhelming Response Puts Wood Stove Program on Hold

An overwhelming response to a wood stove update program announced by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) February 22 has temporarily put the program on hold until further funding can be secured, Pat Donovan of the DEQ told The St. Ignace News February 27. People interested in obtaining grants to update their wood burning stoves are now asked to monitor the DEQ Web site for updates about the program, rather than calling the agency by telephone. Updates will be posted at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"The initial response has been so overwhelming we have had to go back to the drawing board on this one," Mr. Donovan said Wednesday. "We have had more than 500 phone calls in three days and we are re-evaluating how best to use the $100,000 federal grant we have, and seeking additional funding."

The goal of the program, announced February 22, is to help residents replace older, inefficient wood burning stoves with more energy efficient models. Stoves installed before 1990 were to be eligible for replacement. Residential stoves installed before that year are less than 50% efficient, while newer stoves are about 80% efficient. Replacing the old stoves would allow people to burn much less wood, saving heating costs and pollution.

The 2008 Woodstove Changeout Grant Program is a collaborative effort among the DEQ, the Enviromental Protection Agency, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, and retailers with the Hearth, Patio, and Barbeque Association.