As Massachusetts progresses toward its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, conflicting opinions have emerged regarding the role of biofuels in the state’s upcoming Clean Heat Standard. Environmental advocates and public health experts have raised concerns that incorporating biofuels, such as biodiesel, into heating systems may undermine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also posing risks to air quality and public health. The debate underscores the tension between immediate emissions reductions through biofuel adoption and a longer-term transition to electric heat pumps, which are seen as a more sustainable solution.
What are the health concerns tied to biofuels?
Health concerns surrounding biofuels have been highlighted in a report by the Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility (GBPSR). This report questions the adequacy of current data regarding pollutants emitted when burning biodiesel for heating purposes. While biodiesel has lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional heating oil, its effects on air quality remain unclear. According to the report, more scientific research is required before state subsidies are extended to biofuels.
“Given the sheer amount of doubt, there’s more research that should clearly be done before these fuels are subsidized by the state government,” said Carrie Katan, author of the report and Massachusetts policy advocate for the Green Energy Consumers Alliance.
Will biofuels slow the transition to heat pumps?
Some environmental advocates argue that focusing on biofuels could delay the adoption of heat pumps, which are considered more efficient and completely emission-free at the point of use. Heating oil blends containing up to 20% biofuel, the current standard, could make the overall heating oil system more economically viable and counteract the state’s emissions reduction targets. Advocates like Larry Chretien of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance emphasize prioritizing electrification over biofuel credits.
“We’re trying to create a system that is rewarding steps towards greenhouse gas reduction,” Chretien stated.
By contrast, biofuel proponents point to decades of research supporting biodiesel’s public health and environmental benefits. According to Floyd Vergara of Clean Fuels Alliance America, heating systems can be fully powered by biofuels with minor equipment adjustments, providing immediate emissions reductions. Vergara also highlighted affordability concerns for low-income communities, which may find it harder to transition to heat pumps.
“You’re getting those benefits immediately, and you’re getting them while the states are pursuing zero-emissions technologies,” Vergara explained.
Massachusetts began developing its Clean Heat Standard following a 2021 recommendation by the Commission on Clean Heat. The policy framework, released in 2023, suggests that heating fuel providers use heat pumps, geothermal systems, or other clean technologies—or purchase credits from entities that do. Debate continues on whether biofuels should qualify for these credits, with state regulators expected to release a full draft this winter.
Massachusetts’ reliance on oil-based heating—22% of households compared to 5% nationally—makes the transition to cleaner alternatives a significant challenge. However, previous discussions on similar standards in other states have often leaned toward electrification due to its clearer environmental benefits, though transitional technologies like biofuels were sometimes considered viable stop-gap measures.
The impending Clean Heat Standard highlights larger questions about balancing immediate emission reductions with long-term sustainability. While biofuels offer near-term advantages for existing systems, their uncertain health impacts and indirect support for fossil fuel infrastructure are points of contention. Heat pumps, though slower to implement, align more closely with net-zero goals and provide a permanent shift away from carbon-based heating. These decisions will have lasting effects on air quality, public health, and the pace of the clean energy transition in the state.
