MASSENA -- A Massena business owner is praising legislation that would provide a financial incentive for companies producing biofuels like wood pellets, which all four of St. Lawrence County’s state Assembly representatives supported.

“This bill is a strong step forward in enhancing the business climate of the St. Lawrence Valley and counties throughout New York State. It will give land owners an opportunity to see value in their low-grade timber crops that they have been growing,” said Pat Curran of Curran Renewable Energy in Massena. “The tax bill … will help job growth in numerous ways beyond the agricultural and forest sectors. It will help create stability and a bright future in an evolving market.”

The legislation adds a tax credit of 25 cents per gallon of biofuel produced on top of the current 15 cent credit and creates a new credit of $15 per ton of densified biofuel, and adds wood pellets to the definition of biofuel.

“The North Country is already home to companies producing this kind of fuel,” said Assemblywoman Addie Russell, D-Theresa, the bill’s sponsor. “My legislation is designed to put a wind in their sails that will create job opportunities and economic growth for the whole region.”

Also voting yes were Assemblymen Marc Butler, R-Newport and Ken Blankenbush, R-Black River and Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, R-Peru.

Densified biofuel is made from woody or agricultural feedstock, which are abundant in the North Country. With the surge in popularity in pellet stoves and boiler systems as ways to heat homes, the bill is aimed at continuing to make this choice a wise investment, Russell said.

In addition to expanding job prospects in the North Country, access to locally sourced, renewable fuel will bring other benefits to the region, according to Russell.