OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 1019

AN ACT REQUIRING BIODIESEL-BLENDED HEATING OIL AND DIESEL FUEL.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires diesel fuel and number two heating oil sold in the state to contain a gradually increasing proportion of biodiesel. Specifically, it requires the percentage of biodiesel in these fuels to be at least (1) 2% by July 1, 2010, (2) 3% by July 1, 2011, (3) 4% by July 1, 2012, and (4) 5% on and after July 1, 2013. It authorizes the consumer protection commissioner, within available appropriations, to enforce the requirements, and exempts from them heating oil retailers for whom biodiesel is not available at their traditional points of supply. The bill does not define “traditional points of supply. ”

The bill authorizes the environmental protection commissioner to suspend the biodiesel requirements if she finds there is not enough fuel or oil physically available to meet the needs of state residential, commercial, or industrial users, and that this shortage constitutes an emergency. The commissioner must specify in writing how long the suspension will last. Under the bill, biodiesel means a fuel meeting the requirements of ASTM International designation D6751.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009

BACKGROUND

Legislative History

On April 9, the Senate referred the bill (File 395) to the Energy and Technology Committee, which favorably reported a substitute bill that exempts heating oil retailers for whom biodiesel is not available at their traditional points of supply. On May 6, the Senate referred the bill (File 834) to the Appropriations Committee, which reported a substitute bill that authorizes the consumer protection commissioner to enforce the bill within available appropriations.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Environment Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute

Energy and Technology Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute

Appropriations Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute