New York plans to heat buildings with biofuels
NEW YORK (Reuters) - In a further greening of the Big Apple, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Monday the city will incorporate biofuel made from corn and soybeans into oil used to heat city buildings starting in 2008.
The plan will reduce greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming, improve air quality and support small, family farmers, Bloomberg said.
Earlier this year, the mayor announced the goal of reducing New York's carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2030 and has gradually unveiled more detailed proposals, including a plan to convert the city's yellow taxi fleet to hybrid fuel vehicles.
Starting in July 2008, one-third of the heating oil bought by the city must contain 5 percent biofuel, the mayor said. The proportion will rise in stages to 20 percent biofuel in 2012.
Biofuels -- energy squeezed from organic matter such as sugar, corn or rapeseed oil -- burn cleaner and are fast gaining popularity around the world amid high oil prices and a battle against global warming.
Using financial year 2007 figures, 30 percent of the city's heating oil purchases would equal about 13 million gallons -- the equivalent of over 600,000 gallons of pure biofuel.
Bloomberg, who will leave office in 2008, said he will work with New York City Council to ensure that the biofuel goal is made binding.
