ESG & Industry Updates

MA Delays Clean Heat Standard (but not its reporting)

kelly.anderson@burkeoil.com (Kelly Burke) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:51:16 GMT

On December 23^rd,2025 the Massachusetts DEP announced they had pushed the implementation date for the State’s Clean Heat Standard back to 2028. The Standard was slated to start this year and the cited reason for the delay is so the DEP can “evaluate new fuel and emissions data, analyze affordability trends, monitor heat pump adoption and collect additional information.” The delay of the Standard’s implementation until after the upcoming election season has caught attention in Massachusetts - critics read the delay and mention of “affordability trends” as an acknowledgment that already surging utility costs will necessarily go up under the plan, and an unwillingness of elected officials to have that discussion ahead of elections.

Under the CHS, suppliers would be required to deliver a gradually increasing percentage of their heat as “clean heat” to push down emissions and hit targets. The essential goal is to move residential and commercial customers to heat pumps and other approved technologies. Customers are technically not required to switch to alternative sources, but ultimately those who do not move to newer options would see bills steadily increase over time, according to analysis of the plan by Diversity Energy Specialists. On the supplier side itself, the cost is even higher. This article from Oil & Energy does a great job breaking out the cost factors: Oil & Energy Online :: How Massachusetts’ Clean Heat Standard Could Transform Energy Dealer Economics. While these costs are not currently going to be impacting us immediately because of the delay, it is worth knowing what’s potentially on the table for when it goes back into effect.

While the delay of the CHS is a welcome reprieve for end users in the State, at least for the moment, Massachusetts finds itself in a situation much like we saw in Vermont, where the Climate goals and initiatives ratified by the State require the CHS to kick on in order to hit target. (Great explainer on the change in VT and the issues stemming from their CHS delay here if you’re interested: The clean heat standard is dead. What comes next? - VTDigger)

Essentially, Massachusetts’ law requires it to hit its self-imposed emissions targets in 2025 & 2030 or it is in violation of its own law. It seems increasingly unlikely, given both the delay of the ACT and the delay of the CHS, that those targets will be able to remain intact, so we may see legislation coming down the pike (pun intended) to revise or address these set levels. Speaking of the Mass Pike and emissions, the Healey Administration is reportedly entertaining a bill in Massachusetts to address emissions (and traffic) by limiting miles driven within the State. More on that later!

Lastly – the delay of the CHS does not negate that emissions reporting is due quarterly still for heating oil delivery agents and wholesalers. The DEP will still need those by the 29^th of January, don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Pennsylvania, SCOTUS push RGGI back into focus

kelly.anderson@burkeoil.com (Kelly Burke) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:15:00 GMT

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has been back in the news as of late, as Pennsylvania withdraws (again) from the program, citing higher electricity costs. Electricity costs have been a growing issue of concern for voters as we’ve seen in the last two cycles (both Presidential and Midterms), as changing economic realities put consumer goods and services under the spotlight.

Blame for increasingly burdensome electricity prices gets attributed to wildly different causes, unsurprisingly, along party lines. The current takes are that data centers and their inordinate use of power are driving up demand and thus costs for consumers ultimately (from the left), or that climate initiatives, regulatory burdens, and the lack of infrastructure including closing existing plants and shutting down pipeline proposals for new sources of energy to plants (from the right). The truth is, as usual, a combination of the two, where inordinate new demand from data centers is running into a lack of infrastructure to meet the new demands and driving costs through the roof for the consumer at the end of the equation.

What’s that got to do with the RGGI? The RGGI is a cooperative program of several states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic that attempts to reduce greenhouse gasses by capping CO2 emissions from fossil fueled power plants. It does so through a series of regulatory caps, which proponents like the State of MA (on their website) consider a “market incentive instead of top-down legislation to combat climate change” but opponents consider a cap and tax system being imposed. Massachusetts joined the RGGI under the Green Communities Act in 2008.

The “cap and invest” setup of the RGGI is that participant States set limits on CO2 emissions, and then the power plants impacted purchase allowances at RGGI auctions to equal their emissions. Those allowances are then sold, and the proceeds are invested into green initiatives like clean transportation, energy efficiency projects, and other related programs in the local community.

Since its inception, the program is credited with dropping emissions in participating states by around 46% and creating a net economic benefit of $4.7 billion from 2009 to 2017. However, the initiative has also resulted in wholesale electricity price increases of between 4.5 and 6.7$ per MWh within the PJM footprint (Northeastern and eastern portions).

Pennsylvania’s withdrawal is part of a budget deal in the State that would withdraw them. The RGGI is currently tied up in the Supreme Court as to whether the levy the RGGI imposes on power producers counts as a fee (legal) or a tax (illegal). Governor Shapiro of PA is seeking to replace the RGGI by establishing a “lightning plan” – essentially a state version of a cab and invest system, that includes credits for adding carbon free energy sources to the grid (ie hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, etc) that would apply across several years, per facility added. Advocates argue the Lightning Plan would be critical to keep clean energy goals in mind and on track going forward, but critics cite that subsidizing green energy sources and funding rebates means electricity rates for consumers should still be expected to climb, which means withdrawal from the RGGI would fail to accomplish the goal of preventing skyrocketing rates.

Other Northeastern States are grappling with electricity costs and it will be interesting to see the ripple effects of PA’s withdrawal, as well as what avenues are explored for relieving consumer utility pain.

HDVC Lines Are Moving Power Forward

kelly.anderson@burkeoil.com (Kelly Burke) — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:30:00 GMT

Technological advances are transforming the U.S. power grid, enabling more electricity to travel longer distances with greater efficiency. High-voltage transmission lines, operating at either AC or DC, are key to delivering power from generation sites to consumers while minimizing energy losses. High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems, in particular, are increasingly used for long-distance, subsea, and inter-regional transmission due to lower losses and the ability to connect asynchronous grids.

HVDC has higher upfront costs from converter stations but benefits from reduced operational losses and smaller infrastructure requirements. The “break-even distance,” where HVDC becomes more cost-effective than HVAC, typically ranges from 400–500 miles for overhead lines and is much shorter for underground or submarine cables.

Advanced technologies—such as Ultra-High Voltage systems, High-Temperature Low-Sag conductors, and smart grid integration—further enhance efficiency, reliability, and monitoring capabilities. Inter-regional transmission, including projects like the New England Clean Energy Connect, improves system stability, supports renewable energy integration, and helps grids respond to extreme weather or outages.

Expanding and modernizing high-energy transmission lines is essential to meet growing electricity demand, integrate renewable energy, and ensure a reliable, resilient, and sustainable grid.

We wrote an article for the September issue of Oil & Energy Magazine on HDVC Lines and Inter-Regional Electricity. You can read that article in its entirety here: HDVC Transmission Lines and Inter-Regional Electricity

Remote Tank Monitors - Crucial for Efficiency & Operational Excellence

kelly.anderson@burkeoil.com (Kelly Burke) — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:45:00 GMT

Recent advancements in oil tank monitoring systems have significantly enhanced their accuracy, efficiency, and integration capabilities.

Like many fuel dealers, our business relies on remote tank monitoring systems in our daily operations. We have been monitoring fuel, lubricants and DEF for over 15 years now. The equipment is installed and maintained by our own factory-trained service technicians.

New tank monitoring technology has made life a lot easier for both fuel dealers and their customers. Modern monitors are tougher, more accurate, and packed with smart features like Guided Wave Radar and IoT sensors that track tank levels and even temperature in real time. That means no more guessing, no more manual checks, and no more worrying about running out of fuel.

Customers can log in from anywhere to see their tank levels and usage history, but most of the time they don’t even need to think about it—the fuel company just shows up when they’re supposed to.

For fuel dealers, these systems are a huge help. Real-time data lets them plan deliveries better, avoid making unnecessary trips, cut down on partial fills, and reduce leftover product on trucks. The software also gives clear reports on daily usage and helps predict when tanks will need refills. During storms, early alerts help them get ahead of demand and take care of emergencies first.

Overall, the new tech makes fuel delivery smoother, cheaper, and more efficient for everyone involved.

We wrote an article for the August issue of Oil & Energy Magazine that goes into the details and how we use monitoring systems to optimize deliveries and service for our customers. You can read that article in its entirety here: Remote Tank Monitoring Supports Better Decision Making and Operational Efficiency

EPA Announces intent to Rescind Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding

kelly.anderson@burkeoil.com (Kelly Burke) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 21:49:36 GMT

This week, EPA Director Zeldin announced that the EPA would be rescinding the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. The Endangerment Finding states that certain gasses in the atmosphere pose an eminent risk to public health (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, PFCs, HFCs, etc).

The finding that these gasses are detrimental to health and the environment is what gives the EPA the legal authority to impose regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, including regulating vehicle and engine emissions, as they are a contributing factor to the accumulation of these gasses in the atmosphere.

So what does rescinding the rule mean?

If the Endangerment Finding is rescinded, it would remove the legal authority under which the EPA imposes regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. Perhaps more importantly, it would render existing regulations null and void, as once the authority is gone, there cannot be enforcement. In practical terms, this means the immediate dissolution of the so called “Green New Deal” provisions pertaining to engine emissions and electric vehicles. (Refresher on those items from the Inflation Reduction Act here: Inflation Reduction Act - Relevant Industry Item Snapshot )

In terms of currently pending issues, rescinding the Endangerment Finding would likely be the final nail in the coffin on the ACT and Heavy Duty Electrification battle, but we will have to wait on specifics, and see if States are able to claim any sort of exemption going forward. The suit by Massachusetts and other States is still pending from the last EPA reversal of CARB policy.

Beyond preventing new regulations from being imposed, the EPA regulations on light and heavy duty vehicles that began in 2010 would no longer be in effect. That’s right – we are talking about reversing EPA emissions policy going all the way back to the rollout of SCR trucks and DEF in 2010 model year trucks. (Remember this? This Ain't Your Grandpa's Diesel Truck - SCR, DEF & Clean Emissions)

This is obviously a brand new announcement and a complete pivot from the Decarbonization Agenda highlighted in the previous Administration (Biden Admin Releases US Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization), and the announcement did not include details on any type of timeline or specific directives for impacted industries, so as is always the case, we are keeping a close eye on how this develops and will let you know of any trucking and fuel related impacts coming down the pipeline.

What's the OBB got to do with me?

kelly.anderson@burkeoil.com (Kelly Burke) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:45:00 GMT

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law July 4, 2025 is a 1000+ page massive bill that has extensive changes to both US Tax and Energy Policies within it. While as always, certain items will shake out and be clarified over time, the main industry relevant takeaways that jump out at first glance are listed below.

The OBB essentially reverses or phases out almost every climate and energy related item passed in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (refresher on the major items from that bill here: Inflation Reduction Act - Relevant Industry Item Snapshot ). Items being reversed or phased out include credit and funding for EV, solar, and wind production. On the consumer level this includes the clean vehicle credit, home energy efficiency credits, including credits for solar installations.

On a national level, the OBB mandates new leases for oil and gas, and unlinks them from renewable energy leases/production enacted in the IRA (offshore wind and offshore drilling leases were linked in the prior bill), retires the credits for solar and wind farm creation, and expands access to coal mining. The hydrogen tax credit expires, and the credit for carbon capture is expanded to reflect the higher actual cost of the process for producers.

In addition to the Energy specific policy changes, the OBB contains substantial changes to tax policy, including business related taxes. Specifically, the pass through deduction is now permanent, bonus depreciation extended to 100%, business interest deduction moves to an EBITDA standard, and changes charitable contribution rules, among other items. Personal tax rates are impacted as well, with most provisions serving to lock in and/or expand changes made in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017. Most notably, increased standard deductions, increased child tax credits, and no tax on tips and overtime.

All of the above obviously can be anticipated to impact supply and pricing over time in the broader energy and transportation markets. The establishment of a firmly pro oil and gas position by the Administration can be expected to have large impacts on renewables as well, and locally we will have to stay tuned on the fate of items like Clean Heat Standards, Advanced Truck Rules (and other California spawned off emissions programs), as well as ongoing wind projects in New England.

Stay Tuned!

Solar & Battery Storage Is Up in 2025

kelly.anderson@burkeoil.com (Kelly Burke) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:45:00 GMT

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects significant growth in U.S. utility-scale generation in 2025, with 63 GW of new capacity expected—an almost 30% increase over 2024. Solar and battery storage will dominate, accounting for 81% of the additions, with Texas and California leading in solar expansion. Battery storage capacity is also set to nearly double, while wind additions will increase modestly, and natural gas will contribute a smaller share.

Despite this growth, the renewable energy sector faces uncertainty under the Trump administration due to frozen Inflation Reduction Act funding, new tariffs, and potential elimination of clean energy tax credits. Offshore wind projects on the East Coast, such as Vineyard Wind 1 in Massachusetts and Revolution Wind in Rhode Island, are moving forward, but future developments may be affected by halted permitting. These projects will provide power to hundreds of thousands of homes but have faced technical setbacks, such as turbine blade failures.

We wrote an article for July's issue of Oil & Energy Magazine that delves into the details around developments in solar and battery storage, you can read that article in its entirety here: Solar and Battery Storage will Lead New Generation This Year

International Competition for Critical Minerals Heats Up

kelly.anderson@burkeoil.com (Kelly Burke) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:45:00 GMT

Major world powers are racing to secure supplies of critical minerals and rare earth elements essential for electric vehicles, batteries, weapons, and advanced technologies. With decades-long investment strategy and industrial policy, Beijing has developed a powerful industry with a dominant position.

China dominates the sector with decades of investment, controlling roughly 60% of global rare earth production, nearly 90% of refining, and the large majority of graphite, cobalt, nickel, and lithium processing. This heavy reliance on a single supplier poses strategic risks for other nations.

The European Union is investing heavily to diversify its mineral supply, developing dozens of extraction, processing, and recycling projects while partnering with countries around the world. It remains highly dependent on China for heavy rare earths and on Chile for lithium. The EU and U.S. previously collaborated through the Minerals Security Partnership, but the Trump administration has shifted toward a more unilateral approach.

For the United States, securing critical minerals is both a national security priority and an economic opportunity. The U.S. has struck agreements such as one with Ukraine for access to its mineral resources and invoked the Defense Production Act to expand domestic mining. However, the U.S. still lacks sufficient refining capacity and remains heavily reliant on China for dozens of key elements.

A tariff war between the U.S. and China escalated in April, but critical minerals were exempted from U.S. tariffs due to dependency concerns. China responded by imposing export controls on seven important rare earth elements used in technologies from EVs to military systems. Both countries later agreed to a 90-day tariff de-escalation to negotiate.

Battery production remains a major leverage point: China manufactures the majority of global battery components, cells, and electric vehicles. With demand for lithium-ion batteries expected to quadruple by 2040, and global needs for minerals like lithium, nickel, copper, graphite, and rare earths surging, securing supply chains has become a defining geopolitical priority.

We wrote an article for the June issue of Oil & Energy Magazine on the competition of nations to secure critical minerals. You can read that article in its entirety here: US Competing to Secure Critical Minerals

Navigating ACT Regulations: Federal and Massachusetts Insights

kelly.anderson@burkeoil.com (Kelly Burke) — Mon, 05 May 2025 12:15:00 GMT

Understanding Advanced Clean Truck Regulations

The Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations represent a significant shift in environmental policy aimed at reducing emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Initially adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), these regulations have now been embraced by several states, including Massachusetts. The core objective of the ACT rules is to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road, thereby curbing harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change.

Under the ACT regulations, manufacturers are required to produce an increasing number of ZEVs, such as electric-powered trucks, starting with the 2025 model year. This mandate is not just a suggestion but a compulsory measure designed to ensure a gradual but steady transition towards cleaner transportation. The implementation of these rules is expected to have a ripple effect, influencing not only manufacturers but also fleet operators and end consumers.

Federal Legislative Actions and Legal Challenges

At the federal level, the ACT regulations have encountered both support and opposition. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation attempting to overturn California's Advanced Clean Truck Rule, utilizing the Congressional Review Act. However, this move faces significant legal hurdles. Both the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Senate Parliamentarian have indicated that California's authority comes from an EPA waiver, making it immune to Congressional Review. Any rescission of this waiver would need to be initiated by the EPA itself, a process fraught with legal complexities.

The Clean Air Act, which grants the EPA the power to regulate emissions, is also under scrutiny. Some legislative attempts aim to revoke the waivers granted to California, effectively stripping the state of its ability to set more stringent emissions standards. These legal battles are crucial to watch as they will determine the future landscape of environmental regulations in the United States.

Massachusetts’ Adoption of ACT Rules

Massachusetts has been proactive in adopting the ACT regulations, aligning with the state's broader climate goals. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) adopted the CARB’s Heavy-Duty Omnibus and Advanced Clean Truck Regulations in December 2021. These rules came into effect on January 1, 2025, requiring manufacturers to produce and fleets to operate a higher percentage of ZEVs.

The state's transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 37% of the total emissions. By adopting the ACT rules, Massachusetts aims to drastically reduce these emissions, aligning with state and national climate objectives. The regulations are expected to result in significant reductions in nitrous oxide, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases by 2050.

Key Dates and Compliance Deadlines

Understanding the key dates and compliance deadlines is crucial for stakeholders affected by the ACT regulations. Here are some of the most important milestones:

December 2021: MassDEP adopts the ACT regulations.
January 1, 2025: The regulations take effect, requiring an increasing number of ZEVs for model year 2025 and beyond.
2025-2026: Massachusetts exercises "enforcement discretion," allowing some flexibility for manufacturers struggling to meet the initial requirements.

These dates are not just markers on a calendar but critical deadlines that will shape the strategies of manufacturers, fleet operators, and other stakeholders.

Challenges for Manufacturers and Transportation Companies

While the goals of the ACT regulations are commendable, they present several challenges for manufacturers and transportation companies. One of the primary concerns is the availability and cost of ZEVs. Currently, zero-emission trucks are significantly more expensive than their conventional counterparts, often costing two to three times as much. This price disparity makes it difficult for many companies to transition their fleets.

Additionally, there is a substantial lack of charging infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of ZEVs. This issue is being addressed, but the infrastructure development is lagging behind the regulatory timelines. Manufacturers also face logistical challenges, such as long wait times for ZEV deliveries and the need to participate in a credit/deficit program to ensure compliance.

Environmental Impact and Community Benefits

Despite the challenges, the environmental benefits of the ACT regulations are projected to be substantial. Medium and heavy-duty trucks, though a small percentage of the total vehicles, contribute significantly to tailpipe emissions. The transition to ZEVs is expected to result in a marked reduction in nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases.

Urban communities, particularly those historically impacted by high levels of air pollution, stand to gain the most from these regulations. The reduction in emissions will lead to cleaner air, improving public health outcomes, especially in densely populated areas. These benefits align with broader environmental justice goals, ensuring that the most affected communities see the greatest improvements.

Ultimately, the Advanced Clean Truck regulations represent an attempted step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, but the path to compliance is fraught with challenges. As these regulations continue to evolve, staying informed and prepared will be key for all stakeholders involved.

US House Challenges California Emissions Rules; Massachusetts Delays Enforcement

kelly.anderson@burkeoil.com (Kelly Burke) — Fri, 02 May 2025 19:20:37 GMT

The US House of Representatives passed legislation this week voting to overturn California’s Advanced Clean Truck Rule and Advanced Clean Cars II Rule. However, (much like a lot of the breaking news we’ve seen the past few months), the decision may not be allowed to be upheld legally.

Why not?

The House reversed the measures by using the Congressional Review Act, which allows them to reverse regulations with a simple majority, and no filibuster opportunity from the opposing side. That’s standard operating procedure essentially for reversing changes made by a prior Administration when a new one comes in.

So what’s the issue? The issue is that both the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Senate Parliamentarian have ruled that because the authority granted to California to set its emissions policy came from an EPA waiver, rather than a rule, it is not subject to Congressional Review. Rescission of the waiver would have to take place, presumably, by the issuing authority, which in this case is the EPA. It’s not that simple either, because the EPA director can’t simply reverse course, there is a lengthy appeals process involved.

This is one to watch federally.

On the State level, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced earlier this month that the State would have “enforcement discretion” on ACT compliance. The DEP will not seek enforcement action on manufacturers for 2025 and 2026 model year trucks. Because ACT requirements mandate a percentage of vehicles be ZEV, and there isn’t demand for ZEV trucks, conventional engine vehicles in the 2025/26 model years were also not available, because their sales would have put manufacturers in violation of the ACT regulation. You can read the DEP statement here:

While no enforcement on ACT violations provides some relief, it does not address the cost & infrastructure challenges that underlie the difficulty in compliance facing both manufacturers and consumers. We will continue to watch for further movement on the Clean Trucks Rule, specifically in Massachusetts.

Stay tuned!