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MOC Pushes Bioheat Legislation |
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With the help of MOC, Massachusetts may soon become one of the first big Oilheat states to mandate the use of biofuel - a blend of heating oil and crop-based feed stocks such a soy beans and vegetable and plant oils. Back in November of 2007, Governor Deval Patrick filed legislation - HB 4364 - calling for a biofuel and biodiesel mandate that would require a 2% blend of biofuel in heating oil by July 2010, with incremental percentage blends of 3, 4 and 5% by 2013.
Last week, the Governors Advanced Biofuels Task Force issued a comprehensive report on the initiative and then submitted amendments to the initial legislation based on important input from MOC and other interested parties. Back in February, MOC's Board of Directors voted unanimously to support a biofuel mandate and that support has helped the legislation gain momentum on Beacon Hill. "Our Board and other industry leaders, including the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA), believe that introducing biofuel as a blend with our fuel is a vital and necessary step," said MOC Board Chairwoman Sandra Farrell.
MOC will report any and all progress on the legislation as it moves on Beacon Hill this spring. |
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New NORA Radio Ads Unveiled |
MOC has launched its 2008 spring National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) campaign with a series of new commercials that touch upon several simple, powerful messages. "This is one of the strongest NORA campaigns we've ever had in terms of content and frequency, and the advertising comes at a crucial time for the industry," said MOC's Michael Ferrante.
Four separate radio spots - all 30 seconds in length - are playing in the Boston, Springfield, Worcester, Pittsfield and Cape Cod markets. The campaign involves piggy-backing two 30 second spots into one 60 second spot which helps reinforce the message. The commercials tout Oilheat equipment as state-of-the art and technology-driven; and that home heating oil is safe, environmentally improved with bioheating, warm and a vital part of home life and comfort. The commercials run through the month of May and will resume in the fall. |
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MOC Helps You Battle Gas Conversions |
 There's still time to register for one of MOC's "Energy Answers Today" seminars aimed at helping retail heating oil dealers combat gas utility marketing programs for oil-to-gas conversions. The sessions are vitally important to owners and their staff as utilities like National Grid/KeySpan ratchet up their efforts this spring to convert Oilheated homes. Use this form to register today for a session in Quincy, Danvers of Sturbridge, or call MOC at 800.722.0623.
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MOC to Offer New Industry Communications |
With the help of industry education and training grant money from the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA), MOC is updating and expanding the information contained in its Massachusetts Oilheat Industry Guidebook - an extensive 3-ring publication that was issued to the industry two years ago. With the help of the Guidebooks' original authors - the law firms of Robinson & Cole LLP and Keegan Werlin LLP - MOC will be issuing monthly briefings on Massachusetts laws, regulations, business practices, human resources and other pertinent business topics. MOC will also be using other business consultants for these briefings including Gray, Gray & Gray; Capital Associates and others.
Here's a link to our first briefing, An Employer's Guide to Hidden Cameras in the Workplace, from David Wilson at Robinson & Cole LLP:
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Washington Continued... |
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MOC plans on meeting with select Congressional members and aides to discuss several key issues, including, the factors driving up energy costs, low income heating assistance programs, and advancing bioheat.
With the cost of crude at an all-time high, there has been a lot of talk surrounding the "why" of it all. The culprit? Well, many scapegoats have been named, but none so menacing as the "black market" or unregulated market speculation and trading by various entities provided courtesy of the "Enron Loophole". The New England Fuel Institute (NEFI) has been a strong supporter of federal legislation aimed at closing this gratuitous loophole, and MOC stands alongside them in that support. See NEFI's cover story in their most recent newsletter for a more detailed discussion on pending CTEL legislation: NEFI Newsletter May 5th, 2008. By joining forces with NEFI, MOC is optimistic that this call to our Nation's Capitol will act as a catalyst for much needed legislative relief.
Continued support and funding for low income heating assistance programs will be another focus of MOC's efforts in Washington, accompanied by a special concern over the federal leveraging mechanisms currently in place for these programs. In recent weeks MOC has been lobbying state fuel assistance officials for a revamped Margin Over Rack (MOR) program for the Commonwealth that mirrors the rapid and frequent price changes for heating oil. However, action on the federal level is also needed: "We believe it is vitally important to speak about the federal underpinnings for leveraging efforts," said MOC president Michael Ferrante in an appeal to Senator Kennedy's office recently.
And with the gas utilities pushing their "green" fuel, bioheat for heating oil is a vital new fuel blend for the Oilheat industry. MOC has been continuously involved with Governor Patrick's proposed biofuel mandate - HB 4364 - and has supported the bill since its inception. Next week, MOC will extend their support of bioheat and clean burning fuels to leaders in Washington. | |
