January 9, 2008 First biomass furnace in Mass. Play video

(NECN) - Mark Richie Woodworking company in Newburyport, Massachusetts has started using a biomass furnace to burn waste material like corn, wood, cardboard, garbage and even cherry pits. In Europe, just like windmills, these eco-friendly furnaces are everywhere. In addition, the state has given Mark Richie a $500,000 grant to help install a wind turbine to generate electricity. Massachusetts is trying to get companies and consumers to use more biofuels and biomass furnaces. If a bill proposed by Governor Patrick is passed, all diesel for vehicles, and all home heating oil sold in the state would have to contain biofuels. The Governor estimates mandating these alternatives could create 3,000 jobs and pump $300 million into the economy. NECN's Mont Fennel has more.