Downstate New York counties are set to join New York City as national leaders in providing cleaner air through increased use of biodiesel in home heating oil, a product called Bioheat® fuel. Legislation passed yesterday by Assemblyman Steve Englebright (A.6954-A) and Senator Phil Boyle (S.B5422-A) would expand the state’s commitment to renewable energy by requiring heating oil sold in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties to contain at least 5% biodiesel (B5) by July 1, 2018. The bill now awaits action by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
“By using more biodiesel in their heating oil, New Yorkers will enjoy cleaner air, reduce harmful emissions and experience an overall healthier environment,” said National Biodiesel Board (NBB) CEO Donnell Rehagen. “This legislation builds on New York City’s continued commitment to clean energy and biodiesel while supporting local jobs and better choices for consumers.”
A broad range of industry and environmental advocates support the legislation due to its positive impacts on the environment, public health and local job creation in the nation’s largest heating oil market. Biodiesel was the first alternative fuel designated as an “advanced biofuel” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and has been verified to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% compared to petroleum.
New York City, the largest municipal consumer of heating oil in the country, has already taken advantage of biodiesel’s benefits by instituting a citywide 2% biodiesel requirement in October 2012 that increases to 5% later this year. This legislation would ensure the entire New York City Metropolitan Area, representing approximately 70% of the state’s heating oil market, would have a 5% biodiesel blending requirement.
“The adoption of a 5% minimum biofuel blending requirement for all heating oil sold in the downstate New York area heralds a new day for our industry. Our goal for the past four years has been to establish ULS-B5 as a uniform standard for cleanliness, efficiency and environmental compatibility for the heating oil industry; and with the Governor’s expected signature, this goal will soon become a reality,” said Kevin Rooney, CEO, Oil Heat Institute of Long Island. “We extend our thanks to the National Biodiesel Board for their unwavering support of this vitally important legislative effort. The adoption of this legislation by the New York State Legislature late last night would not have happened without it.”
