Bioheat mandate in 'Re-New-able' York State

For anyone who remembers my featured article published in the January 2009 issue of Biodiesel Magazine, “Re-New-able York City,” I never dreamt three and a half years later I would revive and alter that headline.

The much-acclaimed New York City Bioheat mandate will take effect this fall, but did you know there is legislation pending in Albany that would build on that momentum by requiring the broader downstate New York market—including Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Rockland counties—to use Bioheat starting on the same date, Oct. 1 of this year?

Moreover, the consensus bills in the state Assembly and Senate (A10393 and S3028B, respectively) expand the Bioheat mandate to the entire state of New York on July 1, 2013.

This is great news, and it only makes sense. The City’s “instant” 20 MMgy B100 market will drive regional capacity growth, product availability and infrastructure development to serve surrounding areas. 

Also, remember that Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation into law extending the state’s Refundable Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit for five years. The personal tax credit allows residential Bioheat users to claim 1 cent per gallon for each percent of biodiesel, up to B20. The extension was passed shortly before the incentive expired.

These measures to expand the Bioheat use requirement, however, still need to be voted on. Ultra Green Energy Services sent out an email this week encouraging New York State residents to contact their senators and assemblymen. “We need a strong show of support to ensure that they are voted into law during this legislative session,” Ultra Green Energy Services stated in its email. “The session is scheduled to end June 21, and the legislature is sure to face a logjam of end-of-session bills. Please urge your representatives to cosponsor and champion this important bill and ensure that it passes during this session.”

The following are instructions on how to contact your state representatives, provided by Ultra Green Energy Services:

If you know the names of your Assembly Member...

1. Click here to find the e-mail address of your Assembly Member.
2. Click on the address to create an e-mail

If you do not know the names of your Assembly Member...

1. Click here to find the name of your Assembly Member.
2. Click here to find the e-mail address of your Assembly Member.
3. Click on the address to create an e-mail

If you know the name of your Senator...

1. Click here to find your Senator and click "Contact" to locate their e-mail address.
2. Click on the address to create an e-mail

If you do not know the names of your Senator...

1. Click here to find the name of your Senator.
2. Click here to find your Senator and click "Contact" to locate their e-mail address.
3. Click on the address to create an e-mail