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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 23, 2017 02:18 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Patrick J. Harkins |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Legislation Providing for Biodiesel Content in Heating Oil |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that would amend Act 78 of 2008, also known as the Biofuel Development and In-State Production Incentive Act, to further provide for biodiesel content in heating oil. As you may know, Act 78 provides for the study and mandated content of biofuels, specifically, with regard to biodiesel content in diesel fuel that is sold to consumers for on-road use. The legislation that I will be introducing would provide that all heating oil sold to consumers in the Commonwealth be required to be blended with biodiesel based on the percentages and amounts provided for under Act 78 relative to the biodiesel content in diesel fuel sold for on-road use. According to the United States Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, biodiesel is a domestically produced renewable fuel that is manufactured from new and used vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled restaurant grease. Although biodiesel’s physical properties are similar to those of petroleum-based diesel fuel, biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable. It also provides a cleaner burning alternative to conventional petroleum-based fuels, producing less carcinogenic and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, an added benefit of the production of biodiesel is glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel that can be used in a variety of chemical applications, but is most often used in the production of personal care products. I feel that it is imperative that we pursue all options with regard to alternative fuel sources, especially those that are domestically produced and offer a wide variety of benefits to the residents of the Commonwealth. I hope you will join me in sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB1306