Is there a catch?
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Is there a catch?

Too good to be true? With all the benefits of biodiesel, you might think there is some “catch”. But not really.

Blending biodiesel with regular heating oil does raise the price a little, but will likely change as fossil oil prices continue to rise and use of biodiesel. But last year, Mass Energy members who participated in the Bio Heating Oil Service paid about the same as most oil consumers in Massachusetts, according to surveys taken by the Division of Energy Resources.

When first using biodesel in older heating systems, the same detergent properties that keep heating oil systems clean can sometimes stir up old gunk that can clog filters. Older rubber gaskets and fittings can sometimes deteriorate quickly when using biodiesel. A heating system inspection and good maintenance practices prior to using biodiesel can avoid these problems.

In the Northeast, biodiesel currently comes mostly as a by-product of the same soy beans grown for food, and most soy beans in the United States are grown using Genetically Modified Organisms. If you are concerned about GMO’s please click here for more information. Meanwhile, we are actively pursuing local sources of Bio-Heat using recycled cooking grease collected from within the region.

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Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

A word about Bioidiesel and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

A substantial portion of the vegetable oil produced in United States is derived from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Therefore, it is likely that the soybean oil now being used in Mass Energy’s Bio-Heating Oil Service will come from GMOs. Given concerns and unanswered questions concerning GMOs, it is our preference not to utilize oils from GMOs. GMOs are now creating or have the potential to create significant problems in terms of ecosystem integrity and resiliency, biodiversity, environmental protection, food security, abusive operations by corporations, and the sustainability of American farms. However, because of the many benefits of biodiesel over the fossil fuels we use today, Mass Energy has decided to promote the use of biodiesel even though doing so at this time is likely to involve the use of oils produced by GMOs.  Mass Energy has decided that while not ideal, this is acceptable at the present for the following reasons:

• Biodiesel from any source is cleaner burning and less toxic than fossil fuel.
• The long term health, environmental, and energy security benefits of developing a market for biodiesel are great, while the near term prospects of influencing growers’ decisions about the use GMOs through decisions about biodiesel are small.
• Mass Energy will work aggressively to develop sources of Bio-Heat that are environmentally sustainable, local, do not use GMOs, and/or use recycled (reclaimed) oils.

In keeping with our organizational missions, Mass Energy will continue stay abreast of developments in this area and to do whatever we can to help you, the consumer, differentiate and support energy options with the least impacts on our environment and health.

Statement effective October 1, 2004
To download a paper with more details about biodiesel as a heating fuel in New England, click here. 

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