New York City to Ban No. 6 Fuel Oil by 2015; No. 4 by 2030

Abstract

"Just 1% of all buildings in the city produce 85% of the total soot pollution from buildings - more than all the cars and trucks in New York City combined," according to the Mayor's office. "They do this by burning the dirtiest grades of heating fuel available, known as residual oil, or No. 6 and No. 4 heating oil.

The new rules "will phase out No. 6 heating oil by 2015 and No. 4 heating oil by 2030," said Mayor [Michael Bloomberg]. "But such regulations are only part of the answer. They tell building owners: 'Thou shalt not.' We've got another message to deliver, too: 'We can help you do the right thing.'"