Under an Executive Order issued by the Governor, all State agencies and
public authorities will be required to increase their purchase and use of
biofuels for heating their facilities and fueling their vehicles. The
proposal also is expected to provide a boost to farmers in New York State
who will gain an increased market for feedstocks used in biofuel
production.
"New York has an opportunity and an obligation to reduce our dependence on
unstable foreign energy supplies, and we can begin to achieve this by
boosting the production of homegrown biofuels," Governor Pataki said.
"High energy prices have significantly impacted families and businesses
across the Empire State, and have clearly shown our vulnerability to
foreign energy sources. By developing a strong biofuel industry in the
State, we can break free from our dependency on foreign fuels, provide an
economic boost to our farming community, and keep energy dollars here in
New York.
Under the Executive Order, state agencies and public authorities will be
required to purchase and utilize biofuels for use in boilers,
heating/cooling plants, and in their motor vehicle fleets. The Order
mandates that by 2012, at least 5 percent of the heating fuel used in
State buildings will be biodiesel, a biodegradable fuel made from
agricultural products. In addition, by 2007, at least 2 percent of fuels
used in the State fleet must be biodiesel, with this percentage rising to
10 percent in 2012. The Governor's Clean Fueled Vehicle Council also will
develop and implement plans to increase the number and accessibility of
ethanol-refueling stations.
"The Empire State is a national leader in promoting the use of renewable
fuels, but we must continue to work to increase our use of alternative
energy sources and strengthen our economy," the Governor said. "With this
initiative, I am calling on State agencies and authorities to set higher
standards for using renewable energy, which will help to spur investments
in biofuel production and make New York a pioneer in this emerging energy
industry."
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
also will offer an incentive package to developers to promote the
construction of bio-refineries in the State. Under the $500,000 program,
applicants are eligible for grants of up to $100,000 for the planning,
design and construction of biodiesel refining facilities, as well as other
qualifying costs associated with construction and operations. The
incentives are designed to attract potential investors and bolster
in-State supplies of biofuels.
Along with these efforts, the Governor also has directed the State
Department of Agriculture and Markets to work with farmers to identify the
best locations to grow soybeans and other biofuel feedstock crops. Since
new strains of soybeans and other potential feedstocks such as switch
grass and willow can be competitively grown in New York, an expanded
biofuels market for these products will significantly benefit the State's
agricultural community.
"There's as much as two million acres of underutilized farmland in New
York State that could be put into productive use growing energy crops,
creating markets for our farmers, supporting jobs and rural economic
development, and replacing imported petroleum with home-grown fuels and
products," said State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers.
Within the next year, up to three ethanol plants are expected to begin
production in New York State, including Northeast Biofuels in Fulton,
Oswego County. The Northeast Biofuels plant would be the largest ethanol
plant in the Northeast, with a capacity to produce 100 million gallons
annually. The Fulton biofuel site also will be home to a 5 million
gallons/year biodiesel production facility built and operated by NextGen
Fuel, Inc. of Potsdam, St. Lawrence County.