Biotech Updates

New York to Increase Biodiesel in Heating Oil

October 5, 2016
http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/articles/1670191/nyc-passes-legislation-to-increase-biodiesel-in-heating-oil

The city of New York has taken another significant step in reducing its carbon footprint by passing legislation that requires biodiesel blending of heating oil sold in the city.

The bill, which was passed September 28, 2016, will increase the amount of biodiesel in heating oil in the city from the current 2% to 5% by October 1, 2017. The blend level then increases to 10% in 2025, 15% in 2030, and 20% in 2034. Organizations supported this effort, including the heating oil industry.

It is estimated that the increase from 2% to a 5% blend in the city would reduce the emissions equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off the road, and the increase to 20% being the equivalent of removing 250,000 million cars.

This legislature follows the move of New York City in 2013 to power its municipal fleet vehicles with biodiesel blends. The city has experienced a 19 percent reduction in carbon emissions since 2005, on track to reach an 80 percent reduction by 2050.