New York City approves biodiesel blending bill for bio-heat

In New York state, the city of New York has taken another significant step in reducing the region’s carbon footprint by passing legislation Sept. 28 that incrementally displaces 20 percent of the heating oil sold within the city with cleaner-burning, sustainable biodiesel.

The bill, which was passed Sept. 28 by a 47-3 vote and is expected to be signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio, will increase the amount of biodiesel in heating oil in the city from the current 2 percent level to 5 percent Oct. 1, 2017. The blend level then moves to 10 percent in 2025, 15 percent in 2030, and 20 percent in 2034.

A wide variety of organizations supported this important effort including the heating oil industry, labor organizations and environmental stakeholders in the city.