Biodiesel Fuel Costs In Massachusetts: How Much?

how much is biodiesel fuel in massachusetts

Biodiesel is a clean-burning liquid fuel developed from renewable energy sources like vegetable oils and animal fats. It is used to power vehicles in place of diesel. In Massachusetts, biodiesel is being promoted as an alternative to fossil fuels. The state has set up various initiatives to encourage the use of biodiesel, such as the Clean Energy Biofuels Act, which was signed in 2008, and the Biofuels Infrastructure Plan. The price of biodiesel in Massachusetts is influenced by factors such as supply, demand, and production costs. The cost of biodiesel may vary over time due to changes in these factors, and it is essential to check the current market price for the most accurate information.

Characteristics Values
Biodiesel Laws and Incentives All Massachusetts agencies must use a minimum of 15% biodiesel (B15) in all on- and off-road diesel engines.
Advanced Biofuels Liquid fuels derived from non-food-based feedstocks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% compared to fossil fuels.
Biofuels Substitutes for liquid petroleum fuels (gasoline, diesel, heating oil) derived from renewable organic matter (corn, soy, switchgrass, agricultural waste, wood, waste vegetable oil).
Clean Energy Biofuels Act Signed in 2008 to encourage the growth of the advanced biofuels industry, giving preferential tax treatment to non-corn-based ethanol alternatives and requiring biofuel content in diesel and heating fuel sold in the state.
Biodiesel Fuel Prices Prices for alternative fuels like biodiesel (B20) can be found on AAA's website and the Mass. Clean Cities Coalition.
Biodiesel Suppliers Cape Cod Biofuels is the only ASTM-certified producer of biodiesel in Massachusetts, turning used cooking oil into renewable heating oil, marine fuel, and on/off-road diesel fuel.
Biodiesel Benefits Biodiesel acts as a solvent, cleaning heating systems and improving fuel efficiency, lubricity, and power output. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is often cheaper than petroleum-based fuels.

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Biodiesel prices in Massachusetts

Biodiesel is a clean-burning liquid fuel produced from renewable energy sources like vegetable oils and animal fats. It can be used to power vehicles with diesel engines. Biodiesel blends include B20, which is composed of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel, and B100, which is pure biodiesel and contains no petroleum.

In Massachusetts, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) manages a voluntary biofuels program, and the state has set goals for transitioning from fossil fuels to biofuels in diesel and No.2 oil-fired applications. All state agencies that operate diesel engines are expected to use a minimum of 15% biodiesel (B15), with the option to request waivers if biodiesel is not a workable solution for specific situations.

The price of biodiesel in Massachusetts is not readily available online. However, Cape Cod Biofuels, an ASTM-certified producer of biodiesel in the state, claims that their biodiesel blends tend to be cheaper than petroleum-based fuels and are less subject to price volatility associated with global oil markets.

Dennis K. Burke Inc. is another vendor listed on the state's procurement website that can provide blended B20 biodiesel. Their contact information is publicly available for scheduling deliveries.

The Massachusetts Auto Fuel Prices website also provides information on alternative fuel prices, including biodiesel (B20), with prices updated quarterly.

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Biodiesel suppliers in Massachusetts

Biodiesel is a cleaner alternative to traditional petroleum-based fuels, offering environmental benefits and economic growth. In Massachusetts, there are several suppliers and wholesalers of eligible liquid biofuel, also known as Biodiesel.

Cape Cod Biofuels

Cape Cod Biofuels is a small, locally-owned company that serves the Cape and South Shore. They deliver vegetable-based cooking oil to local restaurants and collect the used oil for recycling into biodiesel. This fuel is then used to heat local homes and power commercial diesel fleets. They are the only ASTM-certified producer of biodiesel in Massachusetts, meaning their biodiesel blends have passed all government standards.

Dennis K Burke

Dennis K Burke was the first company to open a retail biodiesel station in Massachusetts in 2002. They have worked with several institutions, including National Grid and Harvard University, to pilot biodiesel programs and determine its benefits and limitations. They were awarded the State of Massachusetts Biodiesel contract in 2007 and have fulfilled the state's biodiesel requirements for several years.

Global Partners LP

Global Partners LP offers next-generation renewable fuels that burn cleaner and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) maintains a list of eligible liquid biofuel suppliers, wholesalers, and distributors. Companies must complete an application process to be included on this list, and fuel suppliers must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2).

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Biodiesel laws and incentives in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has implemented several laws and incentives to promote the use of biodiesel fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Clean Energy Biofuels Act, signed in 2008, aims to encourage the development of an advanced biofuels industry in the state. The act gives preferential tax treatment to non-corn-based ethanol alternatives, mandates biofuel content in diesel and heating fuel, and proposes a new fuel standard to reduce emissions from cars and trucks. This act also exempts cellulosic biofuels from the state gasoline excise tax, making Massachusetts the first state to offer a tax incentive for the use of cellulosic biofuels over corn-based ethanol.

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) manages a voluntary biofuels program, working with biodiesel suppliers to certify biofuels. This program is intended to lay the groundwork for the future implementation of a statewide biofuels mandate.

Bulletin 13, issued in 2006, sets minimum requirements for biofuel usage in state vehicles and buildings by executive agencies. It mandates that all agencies use a minimum of 5% biodiesel in on-road and off-road diesel engines starting in Fiscal Year 2008, increasing to a minimum of 15% by Fiscal Year 2010. Agencies with on-site diesel fueling tanks can purchase biodiesel at a 5% blend minimum for their first filling. Additionally, the bulletin requires setting minimum percentage requirements for E85 usage in state flex-fuel vehicles.

Massachusetts agencies that operate diesel engines are expected to comply with these standards but can request waivers if biodiesel is not logistically feasible for specific situations. Agencies may also apply for exemptions from biodiesel and E85 fuel requirements if they can demonstrate that the alternative fuel is not reasonably accessible, purchasable through state procurement, or is cost-prohibitive.

Furthermore, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and DOER have adopted a statewide goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or reducing them by at least 85% below the 1990 level. Interim targets must be set every five years, accompanied by roadmaps to achieve these emission reduction goals.

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Biodiesel tax treatment in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the Clean Energy Biofuels Act was signed on July 28, 2008, to encourage the growth of the advanced biofuels industry and transition from fossil fuels to biofuels. This act gives preferential tax treatment to non-corn-based alternatives to ethanol and exempts cellulosic biofuels from the state gasoline excise tax. Cellulosic biofuels are gasoline substitutes made from fibrous feedstock matter such as switchgrass, agricultural wastes, and forest products, rather than corn. The Act allows a gasoline tax exemption for the portion of petroleum-based fuel consisting of eligible cellulosic biofuel, with the tax reduction proportional to the percentage of fuel content consisting of eligible cellulosic biofuel. The determination of what qualifies as eligible cellulosic biofuel is made by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources ("DOER") in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs ("EEA").

Bulletin 13, issued in 2006, directs all agencies of the Commonwealth to use a minimum of 5% biodiesel in both on-road and off-road diesel engines, beginning in Fiscal Year 2008, and a minimum of 15% biodiesel by Fiscal Year 2010. Agencies with onsite diesel fueling tanks and dispensing systems can purchase biodiesel at a minimum of a 5% blend at the first filling of the tanks. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) manages a voluntary biofuels program through which it works with biodiesel suppliers to certify biofuels. DOER has also announced a suspension of the formal requirements of the Advanced Biofuels Mandate for heating oil and transportation diesel fuel, instead establishing a voluntary program.

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Biodiesel blends available in Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts has been working towards the transition from fossil fuels to biofuels. The Clean Energy Biofuels Act, signed in 2008, encourages the growth of an advanced biofuels industry in the state. The Act also gives preferential tax treatment to non-corn-based alternatives to ethanol and proposes a new fuel standard for the region that will encourage a range of emissions-reducing technologies for cars and trucks.

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) manages a voluntary biofuels program, working with biodiesel suppliers to certify biofuels. The DOER also has the authority to delay minimum content requirements if biofuels are unavailable or too costly.

All Massachusetts agencies that operate diesel engines, on-road, off-road, and marine are expected to comply with the use of biodiesel blends. They must use a minimum of 15% biodiesel (B15) in all on- and off-road diesel engines, provided that the Commonwealth Office of Vehicle Management and other appropriate agencies have determined that a B15 goal is appropriate. Agencies can request waivers if biodiesel is logistically unworkable for specific situations.

Cape Cod Biofuels, an ASTM-certified producer of biodiesel in Massachusetts, offers B99, B50, and B20 ultra-low-sulfur biodiesel blends. They offer on-road and off-road fueling services, delivering biodiesel blends directly to customers or allowing them to stop by the pump.

Frequently asked questions

The price of biodiesel fuel in Massachusetts is not readily available. However, Cape Cod Biofuels, an ASTM-certified producer of biodiesel fuel, claims that their prices tend to be cheaper than petroleum-based fuels.

Biodiesel is a clean-burning liquid fuel developed from renewable energy sources like vegetable oils and animal fats. It is used to power vehicles in place of diesel.

Biodiesel offers a cleaner alternative to traditional petroleum-based fuels. It is also more environmentally friendly, reduces harmful emissions, and provides enhanced engine lubrication, resulting in improved engine performance and longevity.

Biodiesel fuel can be purchased from Cape Cod Biofuels, which offers on-road and off-road fueling options. Another option is Dennis K. Burke Inc., the first company to open a retail station for biodiesel in Massachusetts in 2002.

Pure biodiesel, referred to as B100, contains no petroleum. Other types are blended, such as B20, which is composed of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel, and B30/B40, which are also available in Massachusetts.

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