What's happening
This bill requires all diesel-powered state vehicles in New York to use increasing blends of biodiesel fuel starting in 2019.
Why it matters
Drives state investment in renewable fuels. By requiring state diesel vehicles to use increasing amounts of biodiesel, the bill creates steady demand for biofuels, potentially boosting New York's agricultural and waste industries that supply biodiesel feedstocks.
Environmental impact. Transitioning to higher biodiesel blends in government fleets is likely to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particulate pollution, and reliance on fossil fuels, signaling a commitment to climate and air quality goals.
Operational implications for state agencies. The requirement to replace or retrofit existing diesel vehicles may lead to upfront costs, logistical challenges, and new maintenance needs, but could also modernize the state fleet and foster expertise in alternative fuel use.
Market signaling for private sector. Mandating biodiesel use in state vehicles may encourage broader adoption by municipalities and private fleets, sending a market signal that could stimulate infrastructure development and innovation in New York’s clean energy sector.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Use Biodiesel in State Vehicles
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 62
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Print number 246a
- Amend and recommit to investigations and government operations
- Referred to investigations and government operations
- Referred to investigations and government operations
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Use Biodiesel in State Vehicles
In Assembly Committee · Governmental Operations · Sponsor Andrew Hevesi
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
246--A
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 4, 2017
Introduced by Sen. ORTT -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations -- recommitted to the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations in accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8 -committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to the use of biodiesel fuel in state vehicles
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The executive law is amended by adding a new section 201-b to read as follows:
§ 201-b. Use of biodiesel in state vehicles. 1. Any diesel operated vehicles within the state fleet shall be replaced or retrofitted to operate on a biodiesel blend at the following levels:
a. For January first, two thousand nineteen through December thirtyfirst, two thousand nineteen, five percent biodiesel blend;
b. For January first, two thousand twenty through December thirtyfirst, two thousand twenty, ten percent biodiesel blend;
c. For January first, two thousand twenty-one and thereafter, twenty percent biodiesel blend.
2. For purposes of this section, "biodiesel blend" shall mean renewable, biodegradable, mono alkyl ester combustible liquid fuel derived from agricultural plant oils, animal fats or waste oils and greases.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02476-02-8
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to the use of biodiesel fuel in state vehicles
Purpose or general idea of bill
To mandate the state to use biodiesel in all state vehicles that are operated on diesel.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 - Establishes the legislative intent of the bill. 201-b: Establishes any vehicle within the state fleet shall be replaced or retrofitted to operate a biodiesel blend at the following levels:
a: For January 1, 2019 a five percent blend b: For January 1, 2020 a ten percent blend c: For January 1, 2021 a twenty percent blend
Justification
Studies have shown that diesel fumes contain particulate matter which can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments in children and that levels of diesel fumes are up to four times greater inside a bus than ambient levels. Diesel exhaust is classified as a probable human carcinogen by many government authorities including the state attorney general. In addition, dark particles from diesel fuel have been found embedded in glacial ice contributing to rapid melting of polar ice. It is in the interest of the citizens of this state to reduce the use of diesel fuels by the state and to encourage home-grown fuels that decrease on dependency on foreign oil.
PRIOR. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
05/31/07 Referred to Governmental Operations 01/09/08 Referred to Governmental Operations 05/03/10 Referred to Investigations and Government Operations 01/25/12 Amend and Recommit to Investigations and Government Operations 01/08/14 Referred to Investigations and Governmental Operations S. 3046A of 2015/2016 Referred to Investigations and Governmental Oper- ations
Fiscal implications
None to State.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.