More states are recognizing the benefits of Bioheat® fuel for carbon emissions reduction.
According to the National Biodiesel Board, governors from Connecticut and Rhode Island recently approved mandates requiring increased use of biomass-based heating oil, also known as Bioheat® fuel, over the next decade. A similar bill in New York awaits the governor’s signature.
Each of the mandates differ slightly. Yet, each result in elevated blend levels of Bioheat® fuel, including two of the mandates reaching B50 (a blend of 50 percent biodiesel, 50 percent petroleum diesel):
Connecticut: Signed into law on July 12 by Governor Ned Lamont, the mandate requires B5 by 2022, B10 by 2025, B15 by 2030, B20 by 2034 and B50 by 2035.
Rhode Island: Signed into law on July 13 by Governor Daniel McKee, the mandate expands Rhode Island’s B5 mandate to B10 by 2023, B20 by 2025 and B50 by 2030.
NBB Director of State Governmental Affairs, Floyd Vergara says the team effort among the oil heat industry, NBB member companies and the NBB team is really what helps take legislation like these across the finish line.
“Legislators are finally taking note of the key carbon reduction advantages of biodiesel and renewable diesel, and we are able to see mandates come forward positioned to make a difference,” he said. “The momentum for biodiesel and renewable diesel as carbon-reduction strategies is continuing to grow and these policies help grow demand for our industries, but it wouldn’t be done without a team effort.”