Bio-Heat in NYC

Today, the city council's environmental protection committee is hearing two bills that would require all heating oil to be 20 percent biodiesel, forcing the more environmentally friendly combustible often made from vegetable oil into the mix. The bills, introduced by Council Members James Gennaro and David Yassky, would take full effect in 2013.

Biodiesel tends to be more expensive than normal heating oil, though advocates in New York and elsewhere are pushing for government subsidies. Councilman Gennaro said that the bill will affect approximately 1.2 million households in the city. As to cost, he said that while a biofuel heating oil blend runs more than standard heating oil, a requirement would bring down the price via economies of scale. “Once we do this and make a mandate, then everyone will have to do it, and the price will come down,” Mr. Gennaro said.

Biofuel blends can cost as much as 20 cents per gallon more than standard heating oil, though in his executive budget unveiled yesterday, Governor Spitzer proposed a subsidy that would make it more competitive.

Source: The New York Observer

Farmers Markets

Lately I been trying to do lots of my shopping at the farmers market at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. Usually you can find organic produce, honey, cheeses, natural meat, fish, milk, etc. Here is a link to a map which lists all green markets in NYC as well as thier hours, compliments of the Council on the Environment of NYC. Remember when you go to bring some plastic bags inside a tote so you don't have to take ten million new plastic bags home with you.

www.cency.org/site/pages/GMKT/map2007.pdf



Amanda