Chris Scaturro bought a fuel company in New York State , and in this issue , he talks with Shane Sweet about his decision to go “ all in ,” the “ electrify everything ” movement , and the future of heating oil and propane .

“ I ’ ve had my share of people tell me I ’ m crazy going into the fuel

STEPHEN BENNETT business given the hostile environment of New York State towards anything fossil fuels ,” Scaturro told Sweet , adding , “ Those that would electrify everything don ’ t want to talk about our existing infrastructure or the risk to all of us when electrification goes sideways , and it will , or the fact that we are in a position to provide renewable fuels as a constituent of our traditional fuels today .” For more on this , turn to page 40 . Speaking of renewable fuels , Sprague Resources signed a deal with Biofine Developments Northeast to bring a biofuel called ethyl levulinate to market . Sprague will also market EL , a product described in a news release as “ ready to revolutionize the heating oil industry by converting waste feedstocks into carbon-negative biofuels .”

“ We see this agreement as a critical step towards establishing a new industry that we believe will become a cornerstone of Maine ’ s decarbonization goals , equity , rural development , job creation , and forest economy resurgence ,” said Dr . Stephen Fitzpatrick , CEO of Biofine . “ The potential impact of establishing a beneficial circular economy within the state and Northeastern U . S . with the Biofine technology could be enormous .” Turn to page 12 for more on the agreement between Biofine and Sprague .

Help in Vermont

Vermont Gov . Phil Scott and the state ’ s Department of Economic Development ( DED ) opened the Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program ( BEGAP ). The $ 20 million grant program is intended to help businesses and nonprofits restore , reopen , and bring their employees back to work after suffering physical damages to their property beginning on July 7 , 2023 , when severe storms swept into Vermont .

“ More support will be needed , but this $ 20 million commitment from the State is a strong first step as we work to help employers impacted by catastrophic July flooding ,” said Gov . Scott . “ My team and I will continue to work to support businesses , and work with our congressional delegation to try and secure additional resources that will be needed .” For more on what ’ s happening in Vermont after the flood , turn to the News section , which begins on page 6 .

Hiring in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association ( PPA ) announced a new partnership with Hire Heroes USA employment assistance network . Hire Heroes USA partners with businesses across the United States to create and publicize training and employment opportunities for military veterans and spouses as they transition to civilian careers .

This designation now allows PPATEC to enroll a veteran and have their tuition expense paid for through the GI Bill . PPATEC also has a separate 501 ( c )( 3 ) scholarship program to assist veterans and other students in completing the program with lower — or zero — out-of-pocket costs .

“ Our organization is working to offer our veterans something in addition to gratitude : an opportunity for a secure future ,” said Ted Harris , PPA ’ s executive vice president . “ Partnering with Hire Heroes USA will boost the signal to more Pennsylvania veterans , making these opportunities more available to more people .” For more on this , see the HVAC / Hydronics News section , beginning on page 30 . l FON

4 SEPTEMBER 2023 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com

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