Please use the following sample letter as a means to raise awareness about the environmental and economical benefits of used-oil fired heaters and boilers in California -- Help raise awareness about the on-site recycling of used oil that is endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and encouraged in every other state.
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[Insert Name and Address of State/Local Representative]

Re: Used Oil-Fired Space Heaters

Dear [Insert Name]:

I am writing to advise you of a simple, economical, and environmentally-friendly means of addressing the energy crisis faced by so many small businesses throughout the state of California.

Used oil-fired space heaters are safe and efficient devices that burn used automotive oil. These devices are used to recover energy from used oil generated by small businesses and do-it-yourself oil changers. They provide the additional advantage of keeping the oil on-site and correspondingly reducing the risks of off-site shipment. The average output of these devices is 200,000 - 250,000 Btus per hour, and a heater typically is capable of heating a two-port garage space. The average cost of a unit is in the neighborhood of $2000.00 - $5000.00. Units typically are sold with a manufacturer's installation and maintenance plan, ensuring safe installation and operation of the units. These used oil-fired heaters therefore provide small businesses throughout the United States with a safe, environmentally-sound, and economical means of heat.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has recognized used oil-fired heaters as valuable recycling and energy sources for many years. Indeed, EPA's used oil management regulations permit the burning of used oil in used oil-fired heaters without testing or other permitting requirements if the heater meets three criteria:
(i) the heater burns only used oil generated by the owner or operator of the heater on site or that is derived from households;
(ii) the heater is designed to have a maximum output of 500,000 BTUs per hour; and
(iii) the combustion gases are vented to the ambient air.
40 C.F.R. § 279.
Virtually all of the states also recognize these heaters as safe, efficient means of recycling and providing energy, and accordingly have promulgated regulations similar to EPA's used oil management standards. The one glaring exception is California, which does not permit the burning of used oil in used oil-fired heaters.
It is time to change the law in California. California is facing an unprecedented energy crisis. Used oil-fired heaters provide an energy source that pays for itself and utilizes a readily-available fuel. Permitting the use of these heaters in California is a safe, efficient, and environmentally-sound response to California’s energy needs. I therefore urge you to explore this issue, and to join in the effort to provide to Californians the many benefits of these proven devices.

Sincerely,

[Name]