AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BIODIESEL PRODUCTS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Ciccone and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would require No. 2 heating oil to increasingly use biofuel blends, reaching up to B50 by 2030–2035, through a binding multi-year compliance schedule.

05/20/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Overview

SB 2530, introduced in the Rhode Island 2026 session, would mandate progressively higher minimum percentages of biobased (biofuel) content in No. 2 distillate heating oil sold in the state. The goal is to transition heating oil toward biodiesel blends and renewable hydrocarbons over time. The act takes effect upon passage.

Purpose and Intent

Establish clear, enforceable bio-based content standards for No. 2 heating oil sold residentially, commercially, and industrially in Rhode Island.

Outline a multi-year compliance schedule moving toward higher biodiesel/renewable hydrocarbon blends.

Promote the use of bio-based products in heating oil as part of health and safety and environmental objectives.

Key Provisions

Amends Rhode Island General Laws, Section 23-23.7-4, to require heating oil sold in the state to contain minimum percentages of a biobased product according to a set schedule.

Compliance Schedule (timeline and targets):

By July 1, 2014: at least 2% biobased content.
By July 1, 2015: at least 3%.
By July 1, 2016: at least 4%.
By July 1, 2017: at least 5%.
By July 1, 2021: minimum standards for B5 biodiesel blend and/or renewable hydrocarbon diesel.
By July 1, 2023: minimum standards for B10 biodiesel blend and/or renewable hydrocarbon diesel.
By July 1, 2025 (2030 in the bill text): minimum standards for B20 biodiesel blend and/or renewable hydrocarbon diesel.
By July 1, 2030 (2035 in the bill text): minimum standards for B50 biodiesel blend and/or renewable hydrocarbon diesel.

The requirements operate “notwithstanding any law, rule, regulation, or order to the contrary,” indicating precedence of this act in meeting the bio-based content goals, subject to potential suspension under § 23-23.7-7 (though the suspension mechanism is not detailed in the provided text).

The act specifies it “shall take effect upon passage.”

Affected Parties

Fuel suppliers and distributors who sell No. 2 distillate heating oil within Rhode Island.

Commercial, industrial, and residential heating oil end-users who purchase No. 2 heating oil in-state (indirectly affected through fuel formulations and potential cost changes).

State regulatory environment overseeing heating oil standards and compliance schedules.

Timeline and Procedural Aspects

Introduction and referral: February 13, 2026 (Senate Environment & Agriculture).

Scheduled hearing/consideration: May 20, 2026.

Effective date: Upon passage of the act.

The schedule spans from 2014 through 2035 (as drafted), with interim targets steadily increasing the biobased content in heating oil to up to B50 by 2030–2035 according to the substituted dates in the text.

Potential Impacts to Note

Environmental and public health objectives by increasing bio-based content in heating oil.

Potential cost implications for fuel producers, distributors, and consumers, depending on biodiesel blend costs and availability.

Market shifts toward higher biodiesel blends (B5 to B50) over time, influencing fuel supply chains, testing, and certifications.

Possible need for suspension under § 23-23.7-7 if triggering conditions occur (specific suspension criteria are not detailed in the summary).

If you would like, I can create a side-by-side comparison of the listed compliance milestones with current Rhode Island regulations or translate the milestones into a simple milestone calendar.