The legislative and regulatory challenges currently facing the heating oil industry are the result of existing laws in virtually every key heating oil state that mandate aggressive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to combat the impact of global warming. Some of these laws were enacted back in 2008. Governors in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont must meet the statutory requirements of these laws – including net-zero carbon dioxide emissions – or face court challenges from concerned citizens and environmental advocates.
To accomplish these ambitious climate change goals, state government officials in the northeast and mid-Atlantic region are seeking to eliminate all fossil fueled heating systems by replacing them with air and ground source electric heat pumps. Massachusetts, for example, aims to convert one million fossil fuel heating systems to electric heat pumps by 2030. Government officials believe this so-called “electrification” movement is justified because at some point in the future they believe the entire electric grid will be powered by renewable, non-carbon emitting sources such as wind, solar and hydro.
On the federal level, President Joe Biden’s administration has pledged to pursue a comprehensive climate change agenda that includes electrifying homes, businesses, and the transportation sector. Shortly after his inauguration, President Biden rejoined the Paris climate agreement, the largest international effort to curb global warming.
On the state and federal level, the heating oil industry is facing an onslaught of new climate changes policies, laws, and regulations.
Click the links below to access federal and state-specific content regarding pending or expected legislation.
Federal Laws and Bills
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
Click here to visit NEFI’s Advocacy Center, where you and your employees can reach out to your legislators and make your voices heard.