October3

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT JOINT WITH COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MINUTES: OCTOBER 3, 2005

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT: Chair: Abinanti – Legislators: Rogowsky, Myers, Maisano, LaMotte

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY: Chair: Rogowsky – Legislators: LaMotte, Young

IN ATTENDANCE: BOL STAFF: Tara Bernard; OTHERS: Michel Delafontaine (AAF), Katharine McLoughlin (rep of Assemblywoman Sandy Galef), Emmett Pepper (CCE), Cesare Manfredi (FCWC)

TOPIC: Biofuels

DISCUSSION:

Chair Abinanti called the meeting to order at 3:55pm.

Guest Speaker Michel Delafontaine of AAF (Alternative Aviation Fuels) gave a summary of biodiesel (explanation and definitions of included in a report prepared by the AAF, with which Mr. Delafontaine provided legislators).

Biodiesel was discussed as an alternative to diesel fuel, which is made out of soy bean oil and other organic materials; it is primarily found in transportation (NB - biodiesel is not for regular cars) vehicles and apartments (those that use diesel).

Legislator Abinanti questioned the potential drawbacks of biodiesel production. Biodiesel contains no sulfur, however biodiesel exhaust has been reported to contain carcinogenic/toxic emissions (more nitrogen oxide emissions than regular diesel).

Legislator Abinanti also asked about supply and manufacturing. Mr. Delafontaine replied that the supply of soybean oil is strong in the Midwest. (He also said there are manufacturing facilities in Philadelphia, Delaware, Albany, and Long Island).
Legislator Rogowsky then questioned how biodiesel could be distributed.

Legislator Abinanti asked if biodiesel could be used in place of No. 2 oil without necessitating equipment changes, etc. Delafontaine said yes and that he would verify this with Brookhaven National Lab.

In terms of implementation of biodiesel, begin with B-5 with and upgrade to B-20 (biodiesel as a fuel additive in 20% blends with petroleum diesel).

At 4:40pm, Legislator Young made a motion to adjourn the (Energy Committee) meeting. Seconded by Chair Rogowsky, all in favor – aye.

At 4:45pm, Legislator Maisano made a motion to adjourn the (Environment Committee) meeting. Seconded by Chair Abinanti, all in favor – aye.