ing low-income communities.
Therefore, while the well-to-do
enjoy certain benefits of heat
pumps, the poor, who can’t afford
to convert, are paying for it
in higher electricity bills.
This only exacerbates systemic
inequity. The cost of Bioheat
fuel, however, is comparable to
low-priced petroleum fuel and
any slight cost increases are
spread out over time among allincome
users equally. The takeaway
is that the use of Bioheat
fuel by the rich doesn’t mean
low-income populations have to
pay for it, as with electrification.
Environmental justice—History
has unfortunately demonstrated
that communities of
color and low-income populations
have both been situated
in areas of lower air and water
quality, including shipping docks,
fuel terminals and electric transmission
stations and substations.
Increased build-out of the electrical
grid will only increase the number
of transmission stations.
Does anyone believe these will
be located in high-income communities?
History tells us otherwise.
Furthermore, the transition to
Decision-makers are looking to electrify to meet
environmental targets. Oilheat providers must
have a seat at this important table.
biofuels in marine engines and fuel
terminals, including Bioheat fuel
storage for home heating, will vastly
improve the air and water quality of
these communities, reduce disease
and death rates and improve the
quality of life.
Better warmth—Air-sourced heat
pumps may perform as needed in
mild winter climates but it gets
cold in the Northeast during the
winter, and it is very likely that
backup systems will be needed.
Therefore, one might ask, What’s
the point? I have to invest all this
money, perpetuate systemic inequity
and environmental injustice
only to use the reliable Bioheat
fuel system I was using all along
when it’s cold? When else would
I use my heat, in the middle of
summer? This all, then, appears
to be an exercise in futility.
Bioheat fuel is truly renewable,
electricity is not—The
ambition of the electrification
movement is that the grid will
be renewable at some nebulous
point in the future. That is the
only climate-change argument
that makes this push even
worth considering. Otherwise,
we are simply shifting carbon
emissions from tailpipes and chimneys
to power plant smoke stacks.
According to the U.S. Energy
Information Administration (EIA),
only 17% of U.S. electricity in 2019
was derived from renewables. Globally,
coal-fired power plants alone
provided nearly 40% of all electricity
in 2018. Not only will renewable
power need to continue to make up
Project Carbon Freedom Launched
Erik Slifka, CEO, Global Partners
ProjectCarbonFreedom.com
(above)
Legislative outreach activity map
(left)
Project Carbon Freedom (PCF), an industry coalition spearheaded by
Global Partners, LLC and the National Biodiesel Board, kicked-off with
a virtual launch on March 8th.
Hosted by Erik Slifka, CEO, Global Partners LLC and Donnell Rehagen,
CEO, National Biodiesel Board, the launch emphasized the need for the
heating oil industry to embrace ever increasing blends of low-carbon
liquid fuels to meet the Nation's aggressive carbon reduction goals.
Additionally, legislators and other public policy makers need to be
encouraged to look to low carbon liquid fuels as a viable path to carbon
reduction. Participants in the launch were shown, in real time, how the
PCF resource center can facilitate legislative outreach by generating more
than 500 advocacy letters from 14 states in less than 10 minutes.
Slifka and Rehagen both emphasized their companies' commitment to
low-carbon liquid fuels and the necessity for legislative acceptance.
“We are one of the only fuel sources out there that can deliver –
cleaner than natural gas – clean home heat,” Slifka said. “We’re made
Donnell Rehagen, CEO, National Biodiesel Board
up of family businesses, we’re a niche industry – we are
exactly the story that legislators are looking for because
we can effect change today.”
A website has been created to guide visitors through
the public policy advocacy process. Project Carbon
Freedom is asking those interested in advancing this
agenda become a coalition member and lend their name,
image and story to the project. The website also offers
sample letters and other messaging to members for
public policy outreach. Visit ProjectCarbonFreedom.com
ICM/March/April 2021 5