Biodiesel: a path toward a better energy future
Hauppauge, L.I.: New Yorkers are discussing shrinking our carbon footprints and reducing emissions. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is by using Bioheat fuel. I’d like to talk to you about the history and evolution of Bioheat fuel, and why using it to keep our homes and families warm is the way of the future.
Bioheat fuel is a blend of traditional heating fuel and renewable biodiesel. Biodiesel is made from a variety of natural materials that are recycled or agricultural by-products, like inedible corn oil or other materials that would otherwise be wasted.
Back in 2010, the New York City Council passed a landmark measure requiring that a percentage of biodiesel be blended into all heating oil. This law required all grades of heating oil to contain at least 2% biodiesel beginning in the fall of 2011. In 2016, another law passed that raised the minimum biodiesel component in New York City’s heating oil to 5%, or B5 Bioheat fuel. As of July 1, 2023, all Bioheat fuel in New York state must contain at least 5% biodiesel and will increase to 10% by 2025 and 20% by 2030.
Thanks to its widespread adoption across New York City and beyond, it’s clear that Bioheat fuel is a sustainable, reliable energy source for the future. Resources are available to inform readers about Bioheat fuel at NYSECnow.org or MyBioheat.com. Rocco J. Lacertosa, CEO, New York State Energy Coalition
Storage space
Brooklyn: I read with interest Elizabeth Stein’s op-ed “N.Y. is way behind on its climate law” (July 30). How could she not mention Gov. Hochul’s disappointing performance as our ostensible climate leader? All these policies getting shunted aside, dropped and forgotten about are her responsibility to manage. In particular, the development of offshore wind farms and battery energy storage systems has been lagging. Like offshore wind, battery systems are subject to extreme NIMBYism from people who don’t understand their critical nature in renewable energy systems, and who are misled about and frightened of their risks. Battery systems are safe, separate facilities, nothing at all to do with faulty e-bikes. Hochul’s agencies have a real opportunity to educate the public, rather than sit by as town after town calls for battery moratoria. I don’t expect Hochul to solve a global problem, but simply following our state’s laws, including on congestion pricing, is a start. Ella Ryan
Wrongheaded rhetoric
Shaftesbury, Vt.: Donald Trump is ignorant about Jamaicans being Black people and ignorant about Kamala Harris’s father, an immigrant from Jamaica. He proved this in an interview. Forget Trump as a U.S. president because if he can not get this and Harris’ facts straight, then he can not get worldwide issues straight either. That’s dangerous. Tom King
Out of his depth
New Rochelle, N.Y.: Though Trump has never been known to be a swimmer, he recently dived headfirst into the swampy waters of racial identity. He did so with no clear idea of what he was getting into. In fact, he floundered badly in front of a nationwide audience. Listening to him, Trump has some useful and desperately needed ideas on how to improve conditions in the country. However, those ideas are strongly overshadowed by his inability to stop saying stupid things. Rather than focusing on issues and policies during his panel discussion at the National Association of Black Journalists, he chose to debate with himself whether Kamala Harris is Indian or Black. Huh? Who cares? I don’t know whether Trump is a racist or not. What I do know, however, is that he should stay away from any conversation on race as if it was the third rail. Charles Seaton
Seeing the signs
Manhattan: After watching the NABJ’s Wednesday interview with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin realized how truly out of control he is. Why else would Putin take this moment to release his hostages and make the Biden/Harris administration look good? I hope our electorate is as discerning as Putin is come November. Chris Santoro
Got it done
Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.: It looks like “Sleepy Joe” had his eyes wide open while “Con Don” fell asleep with his eyes wide shut! Hooray for the release of the hostages. Renee Keane
Unpalatable performances
Manhattan: As the elderly Donald Trump, in full orange makeup and oddly voluminous suits, feebly stumbles his way through a series of increasingly unhinged hate rallies, spewing venom and blathering on about sharks and windmills, he could easily be mistaken for a deeply deranged, two-bit vaudeville player desperately seeking a comeback, as opposed to a Christian candidate for president of the United States. Creepy, cringey and “weird.” Anne Stockton
Solid slogan
Boynton Beach, Fla.: Kudos to Voicer Eugene Dunn for seeing and articulating what Trump and his campaign are seemingly blind to: The MAGA slogan has long outlived its usefulness and they are in desperate need of not just a slogan, but a battle cry that would not only mobilize Trump voters but millions of disenchanted and remorseful independents and Biden voters. Going with Dunn’s suggested “survival” theme, which clearly dominated the GOP convention: Back in April 2023, I saw Sean Hannity unveil a “Survive ‘Til ‘25” hat on his show. Even if it didn’t rhyme beautifully, this would be the perfect late campaign pivot to raise funds that would dwarf anything the Democrats could counter with. Money isn’t everything in a political campaign, but it helps a lot! And Trump pivoting to the “Survive ‘Til ‘25” battle cry would ultimately prove to be the nuclear knockout punch of this election! Ed Dignan
Nonsense
Peekskill, N.Y.: Once again, has the Daily News become so desperate in printing Voice of the People letters that you included such inane, ridiculous ramblings from Voicer John L. Purcell on this page! He wrote, “the 1969 hoax of men landing on the moon,” Donny Most and Potsie from the long-ago TV show “Happy Days,” and both candidates for president dissolving both houses of Congress! Keep printing idiotic pieces like this one. Steven J. Bevacqua
French defection
College Point: The NBC Olympics swimming commentators Rowdy Gaines and Dan Hicks are pathetic. Other than Katie Ledecky repeating her gold medal performance in the 1,500, the majority of the swim team has been hugely disappointing, finishing way down in the gold medal count. So, to make up for this, Gaines in particular but aided by Hicks are screaming and cheering on the star of the pool to date, Léon Marchand of France, all because he’s simply coached by an American. Seán McPhillips
Trans transgression
Greenwood Lake, N.Y.: I’m very disappointed that the Daily News omitted printing the story about an Olympic female boxer getting the snot knocked out of her by a male boxer pretending to be female. Joe Fioramonti
Parent smarter
Richmond Hill: I am 74 and still remember what my father first told me: Don’t do anything stupid! He told me not to smoke even though he did and died early. I never went in the ocean after dark or where there were no lifeguards. I always held on when riding the buses or subways. I look all ways when crossing the street and keep looking all around. Any child who gets talked into subway surfing has not listened to his people and might never get to grow up. No one needs to add their child to the body count of stupid children. Talk to your kids! Robert Clolery
Put kids first
West Barnstable, Mass.: As I read about the Senate’s failed vote on the child tax credit expansion, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of outrage and disappointment. In a country where millions of children live in poverty, our lawmakers are more concerned with scoring political points than providing meaningful support to those who need it most. The proposed expansion is not just a matter of policy, it’s a moral imperative. It’s a chance for us to say that we value the wellbeing of our children, that we believe in their potential, and that we’re willing to invest in their future. But instead of working together to make this a reality, our lawmakers are choosing to play politics. They’re prioritizing their own interests over the needs of their constituents, and it’s our children who will pay the price. Ronald Beaty