Smog ruins a scene, but with Connecticut's new renewable fuel requirement, skies are sure to be postcard-ready. The NBB applauds clear sky, clean air and renewable energy champions for the latest state requirement supporting sustainable biodiesel.

"Connecticut's success to secure access to clean energy is a shining example of strong partnerships at work to support renewable energy and heating alternatives," said Joe Jobe, NBB CEO. "With this step forward, America's only advanced biofuel will be at work to reduce emissions and replace more than 100 million gallons of fossil fuel in the state annually."

The NBB thanks member Greenleaf Biofuels LLC and stakeholders for their role in this effort. The Connecticut requirement was approved after local biodiesel producers and the Independent Connecticut Petroleum Association joined efforts to support clean energy in the state. The legislation lowers the sulfur content of heating oil and creates a renewable fuel standard.

"The clean energy power of this legislation is decisively clear when you consider Connecticut uses upwards of 600 million gallons of home heating oil every year," said Gus Kellogg with Greenleaf Biofuels and the Connecticut Biodiesel Association. "The Connecticut biodiesel industry stands ready to meet the growing requirements for this cleaner burning fuel in home heating systems. We are a young and growing industry in this state providing new green collar jobs in manufacturing, engineering, research and development, logistics and professional management."

When the legislation is effective, home heating oil will be blended with cleaner burning biodiesel beginning at 2 percent in 2011 and moving up to 20 percent by 2020.

Neighboring Massachusetts has similar legislation supporting Bioheat home heating oil. Connecticut's bill will be effective when New York and Rhode Island also have a renewable fuels standard in place for home heating oil.