Bioheat®
If every U.S. household using oilheat converted to a 5% Bioheat® blend, petroleum consumption would be reduced by up to 500,000 barrels a year.
On September 16, 2009, the 23 NORA States reached agreement on a new vision for the oilheat industry. It advocates a transition from traditional heating oil to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) blended with gradually increasing percentages of biodiesel.
This voluntary initiative to reduce our carbon footprint through the use of biodiesel has gained momentum in the form of state mandates. Massachusetts has already mandated a 2% Bioheat® blend for all its heating oil as of July 2011. Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Vermont have proposed legislation requiring a minimum 2% blend. Such measures would insure a healthier environment for residents of those states.
There is an effort underway by the National Biodiesel Board and the National Oilheat Research Alliance to fund research and development of higher blends of Bioheat® for use in residential, commercial and industrial use nationwide.