New York is all set to make use of biofuels that will be made from corn and soybeans into oil to heat city buildings. The plan to heat up the buildings will begin from 2008. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced this use of biofuels in a new way, on June 11.
Earlier this year New York had targeted carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2030 and had slowly unveiled more detailed proposals, including a plan in which the city’s yellow taxi fleet was to be converted into hybrid fuel vehicles.
From July 2008, New York’s one-third of the heating oil bought will be 5 percent biofuel. This proportion will rise in stages to 20 percent biofuel in 2012.
Biofuel is the energy of solid, liquid, or gas fuel that is derived from biomass such as sugar, corn or rapeseed oil. Biofuels are gaining popularity all over the world due to the high oil prices and a battle against global warming.
According to the financial year 2007 figures, 30 percent of New York’s heating oil purchased is equal to 13 million gallons — the equivalent of over 600,000 gallons of pure biofuel.
Michael Bloomberg will leave office in 2008 and has made education a priority during his term of a mayor. He helped rebuild New York, mentally and physically after 11 September.
He is now determined that his efforts with New York City Council will ensure that the biofuel goal is made binding.
Source:reuters
