01/19/2010

Upcoming Legislative Hearing on Proposal to Require Use of Low-Sulfur Fuel Oil

LD 1662, an Act to Improve Maine's Air Quality and Reduce Regional Haze, would reduce the allowable sulfur content of fuel oil in Maine as follows:

No. 4 and No. 6 Oil
- Current limit: 2.5% sulfur by weight
- Proposed limits: 2.0% beginning immediately; 0.5% beginning in 2018.
No. 2 Oil
- Current limit: 0.5% by weight.
- Proposed limits: 0.05% beginning January 1, 2014 and 0.0015%beginning January 1, 2018.

Historically, fuels containing lower sulfur levels have been more expensive. Thus, the proposed changes could have a significant cost impact, particularly on facilities that use a significant amount of fuel oil. If you have questions regarding LD 1662, the public hearing process, and/or what you can do to express any concerns you might have regarding the bill, please don't hesitate to contact Brian Rayback at 207.791.1188.