How Soon Will the MA Clean Heat Standard Take Effect?
The new MA Clean Heat Standard is a hot topic among heating fuel providers here in Massachusetts as it could significantly limit residents’ access to affordable Bioheat® fuel and propane. With all the discussion about the potential negative consequences of the CHS becoming policy statewide, many are wondering when this major change will be taking effect. Because the MA Clean Heat Standard is not a bill, it could be implemented as soon as the end of this year, meaning that taking action to stop the CHS and add low-carbon heating fuels to the policy is imperative. Keep reading to learn how soon the Clean Heat Standard is expected to take effect and what you can do today to prevent this new climate policy from limiting access to your preferred home heating energy source.
What is the MA Clean Heat Standard?
The new Clean Heat Standard is a climate policy from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) that aims to meet the emissions limit for residential, commercial, and industrial heating. It is not a bill, meaning it does not need to pass through the legislative process. The goal of the CHS is to penalize fuel providers like FSi Oil & Propane with high fees that will drive up the costs of low-carbon fuels such as Bioheat® fuel and propane for homeowners like you in Massachusetts. This policy will put significant pressure on homeowners to convert to electric power, spending thousands of dollars to combat rising costs for their existing heating systems.
The Clean Heat Standard is Expected to Become Law This Year
Due to the nature of the Clean Heat Standard, it will not have to be put to a vote to becoming law. Keeping this in mind, it is expected that this climate policy can take effect as soon as the end of this year. Because we believe that Massachusetts residents should have a say about how they heat their homes, acting now to let your local representatives know you oppose the MA Clean Heat Standard is critical to keeping the CHS from negatively impacting you and your home this upcoming heating season.
Related Post: The True Cost of Electrification in New England: Electric Conversion Drawbacks
Alternatives to Electric Power for Western MA Home Heating
At FSi Oil & Propane, we care greatly for the environment. Over the years, we have been proud to develop our propane and Bioheat® fuel products, which have gotten cleaner with every year. We believe that propane and Bioheat® fuel should be a part of the Clean Energy Solution in Massachusetts. Consumers need real choices that can help reduce carbon with immediate impact, and propane and Bioheat® fuel are available and ready to do just that. Plus, the fueling options we offer are clean, renewable, and can help you lower your carbon footprint now.
Option #1: Propane
Propane has one-third the operating costs of electric heat and is a clean-burning fuel source that can power many of your home appliances. It is also considered a “green” fuel source that can help residents lower their carbon emissions right away.
Related Post: Why is Propane Considered a “Green” Fuel Source?
Option #2: Bioheat® Fuel
In addition to propane, we also supply Bioheat® fuel which is made from a recycled, renewable, and sustainable blend of agricultural by-products and used cooking oils to effectively heat Massachusetts homes. This is an affordable alternative to converting your current heating oil system that also contributes to decarbonization efforts in the state.
Unlike the widespread electrification that the Clean Heat Standard is pushing, both propane and heating oil can be stored on your property, giving you a greater sense of home safety, protection, and peace of mind, especially when you rely on FSi’s automatic oil and propane delivery services to keep your home fueled all year long.
How You Can Take Action & Prevent the MA Clean Heat Standard from Moving Further This Year
We believe that MassDEP and your state representatives should not be deciding the type of energy you use in your home, nor should they be removing fuel sources that contribute to decarbonization efforts. Your voice needs to be heard! Use the form on this page to email your local state officials to let them know you are opposed to the Clean Heat Standard becoming a policy in Massachusetts without the inclusion of low carbon propane and Bioheat® fuel. Act now to help prevent this policy from becoming the state standard this year.