Bio-mass Diesel The Future Of Long Island Energy: Lawmakers

President Joe Biden may have temporarily relaxed restrictions on ethanol sales and lifted gasoline taxes to help reduce prices at the pump, but with the ongoing war in the Ukraine and the drop in oil refineries, which is an aging industry, that might not be enough, according to a Politico report.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, however, disagrees.

On Thursday, Gillibrand announced her push for the Environmental Protection Agency to increase biomass-based diesel volumes in the upcoming Renewable Volume Obligations for 2023 and 2024.

Biomass-based diesel is a variety of raw materials, including surplus vegetable oils, recycled cooking oils and other waste fats and oils. In other words, a greener alternative to fossil fuels. If the EPA were to support the initiative, it would increase the availability of American-based diesel, which could help moderate fuel prices and help both the economy and the environment with a domestic fuel supply that would address energy security challenges, according to Gillibrand’s office.

Jason Richberg, the Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader, who is on the Economic Development, Planning & Housing Committee, agrees with Gillibrand.

“We need to be doing everything in our power as elected officials to explore affordable, reasonable alternative forms of energy that can limit our dependence on fossil fuels,” Richberg told Patch via email on Friday. “The health of our planet and our economy depend on it.

“Biomass-based diesel is something that has a lot of potential to help us move in the right direction and I look forward to learning more about it.”

Port Washington Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti, who is one of six Long Island lawmakers endorsed by the New York League of Conservation Voters, an environmental organization, believes investments in biomass-based diesel will benefit the region.

“I support Senator Gillibrand’s efforts,” Sillitti said to Patch Thursday night. “One thing she is doing is making sure it is a bipartisan effort. It’s so rare these days. I think there is an understanding that it is important to find alternative forms of energy — something clean and something renewable.”

The initiative is a win-win for agriculture, rural communities, jobs and it would help New York reach its climate goals, said Sillitti.

“It will reduce our emissions,” Sillitti said. “With the war in Ukraine and the pandemic, this shows us that we need to focus 100 percent on having our own independent energy sources. Our market — everything goes up and down based on what is happening globally. Look at the gas prices … this could help in the winter with our heating and fuel costs.”

Like everyone across the country, Long Island is being hitting by the cost in fuel at the pump, she added.

The national average fuel price is over $4.25 as of Thursday. The New York average is more than $4.53. The average prices for Nassau and Suffolk counties are more than $4.32 each, according to AAA Gas Prices.

“People don’t think about Long Island as a place for farms and agriculture, but we certainly have that as a large part of our economy,” said Sillitti. “That could be helpful to us on Long Island for sure.”