July 01, 2009 03:57 am To the editor: Beginning on July 1, 2010, Massachusetts will become the first state in the country to implement a biofuel mandate for both home heating oil and transportation diesel fuel. Retail and wholesale heating oil suppliers are currently preparing for this landmark shift to a cleaner burning fuel, and the Massachusetts Oilheat Council, the industry's state trade association, is working with government officials to write the regulations that support the law. What does the new biofuels law mean for homeowners using oil heat? As of July 1, 2010, every gallon of home heating oil in Massachusetts must contain a B2 (2 percent) blend of biofuel. The blend increases to B5 (5 percent) by 2013. The biofuels will come from vegetable and plant oils including soy and palm, they meet rigorous testing standards and are totally compatible with all home heating systems. By using a biofuel blend, Massachusetts can reduce its use of petroleum by about 16 million gallons annually in 2010 and over 40 million gallons in 2013. With national energy policy clearly aimed at reducing the country's reliance on foreign energy sources, the Massachusetts biofuels mandate is helping to set the tone for the rest of the nation. As president of Germinara Biofuel and Propane, I have striven to be the leader in Newburyport for alternative energy-powered vehicles and homes, operating across the street from Newburyport's greenest achievement to date, the wind turbine at Mark Richey Woodworking. This Independence Day I encourage everyone to join me in ensuring that the national movement to reduce America's dependence on foreign energy sources begins in Newburyport. Robert A. Germinara Newburyport
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