Energy and Technology Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6412
AN ACT CONCERNING A LOW-CARBON FUEL BLEND OF HEATING OIL AND
Title: THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BIOHEAT ADVISORY BOARD.
Vote Date: 3/2/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 2/18/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY, REP. JOSEPH P. GRESKO, REP. ANTONIO FELIPE, REP.
MICHAEL A. WINKLER, REP. GERALDO C. REYES
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill was raised to require a low-carbon fuel blend in heating oil and establish a Bioheat
Advisory Board in the state of Connecticut. It adds language to existing statute that would
allow and set requirements for the addition low-carbon fuel blends in our states heating oil
with standards that rise over time. Low-Carbon is written to mean that it would have to meet
the standards of the Renewable Fuel Standard Program and require a 50% reduction in
lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. This was written with the aim to have safe, reliable and
environment friendly heating oil in the state. The Advisory Board would help supervise and
monitor these blends and would be in the Department of Consumer Protection.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Katie Dykes, Commissioner, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: DEEP has issues within
Section 1 of the bill as written. They say that the broadening of eligible fuel sources moves beyond biodiesel
and support things such as ethanol, biomass, and cellulosic biofuel. They have concerns about how available
these fuel sources are and their relative value with respect to reducing the harmful emissions. They also worry
about the waiving of requirements of compliance between the Bioheat Advisory Board and Department of
Consumer Protections. DEEP believes that the board being controlled by those in the industry would provide
little certainty to biodiesel industry and would hurt legislative efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
DEEP goes on to say they support a study of impact of progressive increase in use of biofuel on greenhouse gas
emissions.
Michelle H. Seagull, Commissioner of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection: The Department,
while appreciative of the intent of the bill, note some issues. They say that they do not have the testing
equipment or staffing to be able to keep up with the implementation of the bill and wants the committee and
legislator to keep that in mind with this legislation.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Christian A. Herb, President of CEMA: He and his company write in support of the bill. He says that the passing
of this bills can help grow the biofuel industry in Connecticut which will help the growth of family owned
businesses. He says there is a missed opportunity to help reduce emissions because currently, these fuels are
being shipped to California. Says that it creates a zero-cost pathway to lower emissions.
Jeffery Jennings, President of Jennings Oil & Propane: Writes in support of this bill. They say this will help
grow many local businesses in Connecticut and also help reduce fossil fuels. They also support the creation of a
Bioheat Advisory Board saying that this will allow there to be valuable communication between the industry
and the Consumer Protection agency.
Elias J Petersen, Attorney for Kolamr Americas, Inc. American GreenFuels, LLC: They Write in support of the
bill. They say that implementing this bill will allow their company to continue their economic and
environmental impact Connecticut. They point to an 86% gas emissions reduction when using biodiesel and say
that it is labeled a "Clean Air Choice" by the American Lung Association. It will reduce greenhouse gasses while
helping heat homes.
Stephen G. Rosentel, President of Leahy's Fuels (HB-6412): He and his company support this bill. They say this
bill helps recognize a liquid heating fuel can be environmentally responsible while meeting our heating
requirements. Will provide for a core demand for renewable products and keep local businesses involved
running and economically beneficial to the state. They urge the immediate approval of these bills.
Stephen Sack, President of Sack Energy: They write in support of this bill. They say this will allow for better
business growth and opportunity in the state in an environmentally safe way. They say that this will allow for
reliable home heating and ensure energy affordability and equity for all.
David Sousa, Owner of J&A Waterville Oil Service Inc: They are in support of this bill. They say they ran their
own tests and showed that it not only was able to produce reliable heat, but also was able to reduce carbon
emissions. Says it will allow him to produce cheaper energy to his consumers that is environmentally friendly.
Kate Childs: Writes in support with some concerns over the bill. Says that there needs to be some
informational additions added to the bill in order for it to be effective. Wants to include a metric to report the
number of gallons sold and consumed in Connecticut. Also says that DEEP has published incorrect science on
this subject and we should mandate that they take up California science reports on biodiesel standards.
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Joe Uglietto, President, Diversified Energy Specialists: In this report they craft an IRP to make the point that
they support this bill and show the pit falls of other ways of achieving emission reductions in our heating
system. They also support joining and implementing the Thermal Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. They
say that DEEP has ignored the benefits of this plan and are only interested in electrify anything and create a
large report outlining why they think this is the case.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Samantha Dynowski, State Director of Sierra Club (HB-6412): They write in opposition to this bill. They say
that this distracts from fully energy efficient and clean energy heating. They say to meet the emissions
reductions of the GWSA, the state needs to transition from fossil fuels all together to being mostly electric.
They point to DEEPS IRP report saying that the reduction in greenhouse gases is overstated and may even lead
to increase emissions.
Henry Auer: He says as a retired chemist that he is in opposition to this bill. He believes that prolonging the
burning of fossil fuels will only serve to harm our environment and we need to look for more sustainable
solutions. He wants early and widespread substitution of oil-burning furnaces for electric heat pump
technology.
Reported by: William Ginn Date: 3/14/2021
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Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
ET Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 54:
APP Joint Favorable:
Public Act No. 21-181: