Dear Tsvetana Paraskova,
I am writing in response to your recent article, New England Stuck on Fuel Oil Despite Clean Energy Pledges (January 12, 2025). Your description of fuel oil as the “dirtiest fossil fuel” is inaccurate, particularly when it comes to Connecticut and the type of fuel used by our members.
We represent over 600 home heating fuel retailers across Connecticut. Our members are local, family-owned businesses that prioritize serving their communities.
Since 2018, our members have exclusively sold ultra-low sulfur heating oil (ULSHO), which has virtually eliminated sulfur from our fuel. Today the sulfur content standard is a maximum of just 15 parts per million (ppm), a significant reduction from the 3,000 ppm standard prior to 2014. This change is a key factor in lowering emissions.
Compared to traditional heating oil, ULSHO reduces emissions by:
• 97% of sulfur dioxide emissions (a major contributor to acid rain and smog)
• 85% reduction in particulate matter
• 15% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions
• Biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) by nearly 80%.
https://www.bioheatnow.com/CT_Infographic_7-11.pdf
Our members now blend this fuel with biodiesel, which is made from 100% renewable resources such as soybean oil, canola oil, used cooking oil, and animal fats. Some of our members are using up to 50% biodiesel blends, making it a cleaner option than natural gas and grid electricity.
By 2035, all home heating fuel in Connecticut will be required by law to include a 50% biodiesel blend—a law we fully supported and actively lobbied for through our trade association CEMA.
We ask that you update your article to reflect the significant strides the home heating fuel industry in Connecticut (and throughout the region) has made in offering cleaner, greener, renewable products. Additionally, we invite you to explore our new podcast, which aims to challenge the stereotypes about home heating fuel which you perpetuated in your article.
You can find it here:
For further context, here’s a link to a recent press conference from June 2023, discussing the benefits of biodiesel blends in our fuel: Press Conference Video
I would be happy to connect you with our president, Chris Herb, to discuss this further, as well as introduce you to some of our local home heating fuel providers.
Please let me know how you would like to proceed.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Shelly Sindland