Edison ParkFast and Tri-State Biodiesel leading the way on getting New York off oil

Media Releases

Environment New York Research & Policy Center

With the costs of our dependence on oil higher than ever, companies like Tri-State Biodiesel and Edison ParkFast are leading the way to a cleaner future for New Yorkers, according to a new report released today by Environment New York.

“New Yorkers need a future free from oil, and companies like Edison ParkFast and Tri-State Biodiesel are helping to make that future a reality.” said Eric Whalen, Field Organizer with Environment New York. “Hurricane Sandy is just the latest demonstration of a future that awaits us if we remain dependent on oil and other fossil fuels. It’s time for our state leaders to put an end to the drilling, spilling, and global warming of the oil and gas industries, and commit to helping clean energy companies get us off oil and provide new transportation choices.”

The Environment New York report documents seven key businesses and entrepreneurs in the Northeast who are creating clean alternatives to oil, including advanced batteries and charging stations for electric cars, and creating clean biofuels out of waste oil and biomass. Overall, the Northeast region spends over $100 billion per year on oil, which is the region’s leading source of carbon dioxide, smog, particulate matter, and other toxic forms of air pollution.

“The rising cost of oil is a profound crisis for our region, but also an enormous opportunity for innovation. Our report today shows that clean energy businesses are ready to help lead our environment and economy away from oil. Policymakers should help make this transition as rapid as possible.” concluded Whalen.

According to the report, state leaders can help support clean fuel businesses through a number of policy steps, including adopting a regional Clean Fuel Standard, a market based performance standard which would require gradual reductions in the emissions of transportation fuels. In addition, the report calls on state lawmakers to set ambitious goals to reduce overall oil consumption, and to support clean alternative fuel companies with incentives and tax credits.