NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A6070B
SPONSOR: Englebright (MS) TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the environmental conservation law and
the tax law, in relation to bioheating fuel
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill will require all heating oil sold in New York State to contain
at least two percent biodiesel no later than July 1, 2018, and will
structure the tax incentives to comply with current New York State law.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This bill will:
*require, e, on and after July 1, 2018, all heating oil sold for use in
any building in the State to contain at least two percent biodiesel;
*authorize the Governor, by executive order, to suspend the biodiesel
requirements temporarily, after consultation with NYSERDA and DEC, and
issuing a finding that meeting the requirements is not feasible due to
lack of adequate supply of biodiesel or undue financial hardship to
consumers; and,
*provide a tax credit when the bioheating fuel component is at least six
percent biodiesel per gallon.
JUSTIFICATION:
Bioheating standards will result in less air pollution, the use of a
more efficient fuel, reduced dependence on foreign energy sources, and
it will open up new markets for New York businesses and farmers. Biod-
iesel is made by "refining" fats and oils such as vegetable oil, waste
grease, and used cooking oils. It is anticipated that New York will
derive major economic impact from the production, processing, and
construction of biodiesel facilities. In addition, a new biodiesel
content requirement will provide an incentive for New York farmers to
increase their production. Increasing the use of biodiesel will create
new markets for agricultural products, create more local jobs, reduce
emissions, and help protect water quality. The fuel also has the benefit
of higher efficiency, as well as literally being "home grown," helping
to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Passed Assembly in 2015.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
This bill is intended to be revenue neutral.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
