2011 Energy Act Mandates ultra-low sulfur heating oil
Vermont will start using ultra-low sulfur heating oil this winter 2018. The mandate comes into effect due to the 2011 Energy Act. This will be enacted in the rest of New England, New York, and New Jersey. This mandates 15 parts-per-million (ppm) emissions standard for oil fired furnaces.
The special Ultra Low Sulfur Heating Oil (ULSHO) lessens particulate emissions, along with sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. ULSHO emissions are equal to natural gas according to research from Brookhaven National Laboratory. “ULSHO cuts 99 percent of sulfur dioxide emissions, 97 percent of airborne emissions, and 30 percent of NOx emissions compared to regular heating oil” the article states.
Both boilers and furnaces can run more efficiently on ULSHO, which in turn saves the customer money. Running ULSHO creates 90% less ash and 40 times less soot than regular heating oil. The ULSHO fuel can also be blended with renewable biodiesel.
Swanton Energy Initiative to kick off Oct. 10
Swanton is a small northern town in Vermont. The town applied for the competitive Climate Economy Model Communities Program and was selected. This will bring forth a process for residents to identify and advance goals that advance economic opportunity, affordability, and strengthen the community in the face of climate change. The process will begin with forums and free community dinner during the afternoon and evening starting October 10th.
The community is welcoming addressing climate change and is excited to launch this effort in Swanton. “We are looking forward to working with Swanton Village Electric along with other partners and citizens of Swanton to develop some innovative approaches to saving on energy costs” said VCRD’s Program Director, Jon Copans. This small town has its own municipal electric utility.
US Government Affairs Updates
(as reported by ASHRAE.org,)
• ASHRAE’s 2018 WISE intern Publishes Paper on the Governments’ Role in Community Resilience
Refer to the following link for additional information on the above topics:
https://vtdigger.org/2018/10/18/c/
https://vtdigger.org/2018/10/05/swanton-energy-intiative-kick-off-oct-10/
Mallory Fischer
GAC Committee Member