David Yassky

33rd Council District, Brooklyn

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Bioheat Act

Following is a summary of this proposal. To read the legislation, click here.

The Bioheat Act will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heating oil combustion in New York City by requiring heating oil to contain biodiesel. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oil, most commonly soybeans. It is biodegradable, nonflammable and non-toxic. 

Biodiesel can be blended with conventional heating fuel. Building owners can use blends containing up to 20% biodiesel without having to modify boilers or heating systems. New York State requires State-owned buildings to use a 2% biodiesel blend for heating. There is no reason why New York City should not keep pace, and even set the standard. 

Following are EPA estimates for average emissions reductions for 20% biodiesel fuel compared to convential diesel:

EMISSION TYPE

PERCENT REDUCTION
Carbon Dioxide (Greenhouse Gas)-15%
Carbon Monoxide(Greenhouse Gas)-12%
Particulate Matter(aggravate repertory illness; may cause lung cancer and cardiovascular disease)-12%
Sulfates(cause acid rain; aggravate respiratory illness)-20%

The Bioheat Act would require all heating oil sold in New York City to contain 5% biodiesel by June 2009, 10% biodiesel by June 2011, and 20% biodiesel by June 2013. The Act would also require City-owned buildings to use heating oil containing 10% biodiesel by June 2008. At today’s prices, 5% biodiesel blend heating oil costs roughly the same as conventional heating oil.  In addition, New York State provides tax credits to biodiesel users.