Clean Water Action and the Massachusetts Climate Coalition: We {{Heart}} Biofuels; just the second-generation kind

In Massachusetts, Clean Water Action and the Massachusetts Climate Coalition said that they support biofuels and alternatives to oil, but that the state “must protect land and protect habitat of wildlife and genuinely reduce emissions.” Environmentalists said the government should look at local ecosystems, rail capacity and next-generation biofuels before committing to first-generation biofuels projects.

The Massachusetts biofuels policy bill was been introduced into the state legislature in November, generating “overwhelmingly positive” reaction from lawmakers according to the state’s Secretary for Energy and Environment Affairs, but drawing criticism from some industry groups and legislators.

The bill requires all diesel and home heating fuel sold in the state to contain 2 percent of renewable alternatives by 2010, increasing to a 5 percent by 2013. The bill also exempts cellulosic ethanol from the state gasoline excise tax.

Sen. Michael Morrissey (D-Quincy) said in November he hoped to address criticisms of the bill in time to present a complete package within 45 days, but testimony has proven more elusive as the committee moves around the state gathering local opinion.

Berkshire Biodiesel in a comprehensive submission, recommded that the state:
Pass the 2% biodiesel blending requirements with triggers to create a new market yet allow time to build biodiesel production and distribution infrastructure.

1. Harness statewide R&D capabilities to develop new sustainable feedstocks  such as crambe, castor, etc.
2. Incentivize use of yellow grease (waste restaurant oil), tallow (animal fats), and algae.
3. Incentivize local farmers to grow feedstock crops on marginal/non-food producing lands (land with low carbon content) with low-impact farming techniques.
4. Incentivize in-state biodiesel production (see Connecticut and Maryland incentives) to capture jobs and investment.
5. Make tax credits transferable (see Oregon law).  New companies do NOT have profits to fully benefit from tax credits.
6. Expand net metering to include biodiesel.  This will allow construction of cogeneration and combined heat and power (CHP) systems at local institutions such as colleges, hospitals, and shopping centers.
7. Allow renewable distributed generators to sell power to adjacent properties and across a public way if the property is owned by the same party.

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