Over the winter, across the country, we watched in disbelief as Texas suffered an unexpected and truly devastating deep freeze. Along with this weather event came extensive power outages. Unfortunately, we’re getting all too used to seeing the fallout from power outages that leave families stuck without electricity for anywhere from days to weeks.
Many lawmakers on both the state and federal levels are pushing an “electrify everything” agenda through, as it’s viewed as a way to protect the environment. Along with this comes plans for eliminating fossil-fuel-powered heating systems, like heating oil furnaces and boilers—all to be replaced by electric heat pumps.
Please know that here at Vaughn Oil, we want to see an end to climate change, and we want to be a part of the movement to get there. The concern we have with the current direction lawmakers are taking is that it’s not really a solution to the problem at hand. Here’s why: Once the temperature drops below 32°F, your very expensive heat-pump conversion will still require a backup system to keep you warm. And a little-known fact is that electricity production generates the second-highest amount of greenhouse gas emissions. (Transportation holds first place.)
As we continue in the effort to address climate change, we are proud to offer a 5% blend of Bioheat fuel to all of our customers. A blend of biodiesel and ultra-low-sulfur heating oil, Bioheat produces near-zero-emissions. The same cannot be said about electricity.
We want to see more engagement between lawmakers and the heating oil industry—and we want to be a part of the effort to educate them about the steps we are taking to reach net-zero carbon emissions and ways to keep that effort progressing.
We believe in fighting climate change, and in continuing to cut carbon emissions, until we hit zero. As we do that, we must not rely on breakthroughs that have not yet happened to an already unreliable electric grid. Overloading the grid is not the answer.
Contact us to learn more about how we can work together in the movement toward net-zero carbon emissions.
