Joseph P. Gresko

Representative Joseph P. Gresko (D-Stratford), House Chair of the Environment Committee, held a press conference with advocates to recognize the environmental benefits of Public Act No. 21-181, which requires home heating oil companies in Connecticut to mix traditional ultra-low sulfur fuel with renewable biodiesel made from discarded restaurant grease and other food waste like soybean oil.

The event commemorated Public Act No. 21-181's one-year anniversary.

“We are lowering greenhouse gas emissions now in Connecticut, while we evolve over the next couple decades into a more renewable power supply,” said Representative Gresko. “This 5% biodiesel blend in home heating fuel reduced CO2/carbon emissions by 192,664 tons, equivalent to removing the CO2 emissions of 38,000 cars per year.”

“The great thing about biodiesel is that people who heat with oil heat can use to this green, renewable fuel without investing tens of thousands of dollars in new equipment and expensive upgrades," said Nicholas F. D'Addario, President of Hi-Ho Energy Services based in Bridgeport. " This fuel will work with what you already have. We are making a difference in lowering greenhouse gas emissions today and not decades in the future.”

"Kolmar and American GreenFuels thank Rep. Gresko for his leadership in promoting low-carbon fuels policies in our state and the low-carbon biofuel industry right here in Connecticut," said Elias Petersen on behalf of American GreenFuels, LLC. "Biodiesel produced by American GreenFuels in New Haven is helping the heating oil industry in our state substantially reduce its carbon footprint, while benefiting our environment, our air quality, and our economy."

“Our industry supported this law because it was the right thing to do for our community, the environment, and future generations," said Stephen H. Sack, Jr., Owner of the West Hartford-based Sack Energy. "We are proud of the evolution that our industry is undergoing as we speak, and the impact we are making today, tomorrow and for many more years to come. No other energy source can achieve net zero emissions faster than biodiesel.”

“Filta's mission statement from the beginning has been ‘making commercial kitchens faster, greener, safer and cleaner’ and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to highlight the greener aspect of our business," said Kurt Wiegand, Executive Business Manager Filta Environmental based in Monroe. "We think people will be pleasantly surprised to find out what happens to used cooking oil and excited to know that it has second life with a positive impact on the environment.”

This past winter, Connecticut law required heating oil to use five percent biodiesel resulting in a reduction of 17,163,800 gallons of heating oil which is an equivalent reduction of 192,664 tons of CO2 emissions. This is comparable to removing 38,000 cars worth of CO2 emissions per year. Once Public Act No. 21-181 is fully implemented, it is expected to result in an annual reduction of CO2 emissions by 1,926,640 tons, and by 2035, Connecticut's home heating oil will be comprised of 50% biodiesel.