New York Legislatures Pass B2 Standard

A legislation requiring all heating oil sold in the state of New York, U.S.A. to contain at least 2 percent biodiesel (also known as B2 or Bioheat) by 2015 was passed by the State Assembly and Senate. The passing of the new Bioheat standard, expected to reduce air emissions and create jobs, was widely praised by the industry and environmental groups.

The domestic annual production of biodiesel in the U.S. has reached a billion gallons. Biodiesel is produced mainly from agricultural coproducts and byproducts such as soybean oil, animal fats, and recycled cooking oil. The Bioheat is widely welcomed by the supporters not only as greener policy but also as a boost for the economy because it will encourage investment in the biodiesel industry and increase the number of green collar jobs in the state. The new policy will also provide a new market for the soybean oil produced by New York farmers.

The legislation calls for all heating oil sold in the City of New York, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland counties to contain at least two percent biodiesel by Oct. 1, 2014, and all heating oil sold statewide to meet this standard by July 1, 2015. The legislation will become effective upon the governor's signature.