Moving the Commonwealth to Biofuels
In August 2006, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance issued Bulletin 13, Establishment of Minimum Requirements for Bio-Fuel Usage in State Vehicles and Buildings by Executive Agencies (
). Bulletin 13 sets the stage for making the transition from fossil fuels to biofuels in diesel and No.2 oil-fired applications. This includes biodiesel and ethanol E85.
Bulletin 13 directs the Commonwealth to do the following:
- Beginning in Fiscal Year 2008, all agencies must use a minimum of 5% biodiesel in both on-road and off-road diesel engines.
- By Fiscal Year 2010, all agencies shall use a minimum of 15% biodiesel in both on-road and off-road diesel engines.
- Set a minimum percentage requirements for E85 usage in state flex-fuel vehicles.
On November 5, 2007, Governor Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray, and House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi announced legislation they jointly backed to promote advanced biofuels as a way to reduce dependence on foreign oil, capture clean-air benefits, and capitalize on clean-fuel research for economic growth and jobs. This initiative, pursued by the three top leaders of state government, would solidify the Commonwealth’s position as a national and global leader in clean energy technology (press release).
Biodiesel Implementation Plan
To support this transition, the Department of Energy Resources, in conjunction with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Operational Services Division, are developing a Biofuels Infrastructure Plan . All Massachusetts agencies operating diesel engines, on road, off road, and marine are expected to comply. Agencies having on-site diesel fueling tanks and dispensing systems will purchase biodiesel at a minimum of the 5% blend at the first filling of the tanks on or after July 1, 2007. Biodiesel is available on the state wide contract for Diesel Fuel ENE23 (see below). Waivers may be requested for specific situations where biodiesel is logistically unworkable.
- Compliance Form
for FY2008 Biodiesel Requirements - UPDATED 5/23/07 - Vehicle Waiver Application Form
for FY2008 Biodiesel Requirements
Biodiesel Purchasing Contract
The Operational Services Division has a statewide biodiesel contract - ENE23 - that is open to all eligible public entities, including cities and towns, in the Commonwealth to facilitate the purchase these fuels. For more information on this contract, go to http://www.comm-pass.com/ and enter "ENE23" in the Search box.
- Article: MA Moves to Cleaner Greener Fuels
State Contract Fuel Suppliers
- All Zones (1-8): D. K. Burke, 284 Eastern Ave., Chelsea, MA, Joe Cote - 617-884-7800
Fuel Tank and Pump Inspection Services
- Environmental Compliance Services (ECS), Mark Haynes - 413-789-3530
Plan Resources
- Program Coodinator: Dave Rand (DOER) - 617-727-4732 x40138 - David.Rand@State.MA.US
- Vehicles - Light Duty: Dan Bowen (OVM) - 617-720-3337 - Daniel.Bowen@OSD.State.MA.US
- Vehicles - Med/Heavy Duty: Dave Rand (DOER) - 617-727-4732 x40138 - David.Rand@State.MA.US
- State Fuels Contracts: Jim Ferri (OSD) - 617-720-3168 - James.Ferri@OSD.State.MA.US
- Training: Ian Finlayson (EOEA) - 617-626-4910 - Ian.Finlayson@State.MA.US
Resource Links
- National Biodiesel Board
- National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission (BQ9000)
- U.S. Dept of Energy, Clean Cities Program
- Dennis K. Burke, Inc., Chelsea, MA
- Alliance Energy Services, Holyoke, MA
