This is a good news, bad news squib from the New York Times.
Over the next 10 years, the suppliers of home heating oil from Maine to Maryland will lower sulfur levels in their oil from 0.2% to 0.0015%, thereby reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide, which contribute to haze. However, consumers should see a small increase in the price of oil, although the added cost may be offset by more efficient furnace and boiler operation in the home. The change, which begins next year, should have public health and environmental benefits. Removing the sulfur will lower the maintenance requirements of oil heat equipment.
