7/28/08-Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill into law Monday, July 28, that offers a combination of first-of-its-kind mandates and incentives to promote the development and use of biofuels in the state.
In an effort to reduce the state’s carbon dioxide emissions and dependence on foreign oil, the legislation requires all diesel fuel and heating oil to contain a minimum amount of bio-based alternatives.
The new law, previously H4951, requires all diesel fuel and heating oil to contain at least 2 percent biofuel by 2010, increasing to 5 percent by 2013.
It also exempts gas that contains non-corn-based ethanol from the state’s 21-cent-per-gallon gas tax.

7/23/08-The Senate has unanimously approved a bill that offers a combination of first-of-its-kind mandates and incentives to promote the development and use of biofuels in the state.
In an effort to reduce the state’s carbon dioxide emissions and dependence on foreign oil, the legislation would require all diesel fuel and heating oil to contain a minimum amount of bio-based alternatives. H4951 needs final approval in the House before it can move to the governor’s desk.
It also would require all diesel fuel and heating oil to contain at least 2 percent biofuel by 2010, increasing to 5 percent by 2013.
In addition, the bill would exempt gas that contains non-corn-based ethanol from the state’s gas tax.
For bill status, call (617) 722-2356.