David Yassky

I am introducing the Bioheat Act of 2007, a local law requiring all heating oil purchased in New York City to be a biodiesel blend by year-end 2008. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable matter, most commonly soybeans. It is biodegradable, nonflammable and non-toxic.Pure biodiesel (B100) is 100% biodiesel. Biodiesel can mix with other fuels up to B20 (20% biodiesel) without the need to change engines or fuel systems. My proposal calls for B5 by year-end 2008, B10 by year-end 2010 and B20 by year-end 2012. We’ll significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating oil combustion in New York City. Below is an EPA comparison of the reduction of biodiesel fuel blends to conventional diesel.

New York State provides a tax benefit for using biodiesel fuel blends, such as 20 cents per gallon for B20, 5 cents for B5 and 2 cents for B2. Therefore, individuals will not spend much using a biodiesel blend. In fact, the average home owner will spend less than $50 more per year on a B20 blend for home heating oil depending on the variable cost of crude oil. There is a New York State law requiring State-owned buildings to use B2 in their heating system. All diesel fuel sold in Minnesota is required to be at least B2. Florida, Connecticut, Missouri, California, Oregon, Mississippi, Arkansas, Nebraska, Montana, Tennessee and New Mexico are considering similar legislation.  New York City can become a model producer of a cleaner energy source that it will market locally. There is no reason why New York City should not set the standard. The New York City Council should approve a law requiring city residents to use a biodiesel blend for home heating oil.