A bill to make biodiesel part of all heating oil used in New Jersey advanced in the New Jersey legislature. NJPoliticker.com reports the “Bio-based Heating Oil Act,” sponsored by Assembly Deputy Republican Leader John Amodeo, moved out of the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.
“By transitioning to bio-based heating oil, we will be producing an efficient, environmentally safe energy source from waste products including inedible animal fats and recycled restaurant grease, and using it to economically heat our homes and businesses,” said Amodeo, R-Atlantic.
A-3161 sets a graduated compliance schedule, requiring all heating oil sold in the state to include 3 percent biodiesel, eventually increasing to 5 percent from July 1, 2014 and thereafter. Biodiesel is biodegradable and produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel.
“By adding a percentage of domestically produced and renewable biodiesel to our heating oil, we will substantially reduce greenhouse gases, and slash household emissions of carbon dioxide by 1.5 million tons per year, according to some experts. More importantly, we can achieve this without expensive investment in infrastructure or increased fuel costs,” Amodeo stated.
Research has actually shown that 20 percent biodiesel blends increase the performance of heating systems.