In The Loop with NORA

Hosted by NORA

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

In The Loop is brought to you by NORA. NORA was authorized by Congress in 2000 to provide funding that enables the liquid fuel heating industry to provide more efficient, more reliable and lower carbon home heating and hot water to American Consumers. This podcast takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education propelling us towards a low carbon future. For more information, visit NORAweb.org.

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23 recent

May 12, 2026Episode 228 min

Ep. 23 How Collaborations and Industry Relationships are Transforming Liquid Heating Fuels

In this episode of In the Loop with NORA, NORA President Michael Devine and Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen discuss how the biodiesel and renewable diesel sectors are overcoming challenges like policy headwinds and logistical hurdles as we head into the 2026 heating season.This conversation between industry partners explores how policies like the revamped RFS and cutting-edge research are transforming the liquid home heating market. From ASTM standards that enable increases blends in home heating appliances to collaborative efforts among agriculture, fuel producers and fuel marketers, multiple factors are paving the way toward a 100% renewable fuel future.This episode is a must-listen for energy professionals, heating oil businesses, and sustainability advocates looking to stay ahead in this rapidly advancing industry.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.

March 19, 2026Episode 114 min

Ep. 22 Bridging Gaps in Oil Heat Training with Midwest Partners

In this episode, association leaders from the Midwest reveal how a new, regional mobile classroom program transformed their approach to oil heat service, overcoming technician shortages, and fueling growth for their state’s heating oil efforts. Discover how these associations collaborated across state lines to deliver hands-on oil heat training directly to local technicians, resulting in over 25 skilled workers trained in a single event, far exceeding expectations. Their conversation breaks down the strategies behind this success and how partnerships with HVAC associations and equipment suppliers helped drive awareness of this opportunity. Tune in to hear how this innovative mobile classroom concept became a blueprint for expanding access to critical training on oil heat systems and fostering new relationships.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.

December 19, 2025Episode 1122 min

Ep. 21 Lessons Learned from the Chair’s Seat at NORA

In this episode, outgoing NORA Chair Kate Duffey and NORA President Michael Devine look back on her time leading the National Oil Heat Research Alliance. Kate reflects on her surprising experiences, the value of hands-on support and technical programs for marketers, and why strong industry communication matters now more than ever. The conversation explores NORA's role in driving innovation, boosting education, and keeping the liquid fuel heating sector relevant in a changing world. Kate shares personal highlights, leadership lessons, and advice for the next chair, spotlighting the relationships and teamwork that fuel NORA's success.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.

November 10, 2025Episode 1015 min

Ep. 20 Insights on Indoor Air Pollutants

In this episode of In the Loop with NORA, we dive into the findings of a study on indoor air quality conducted by NORA with Dr. Tom Butcher and Neehad Islam from the NORA Research Laboratory. Discover how everyday activities – like cooking and outdoor grilling – impact air quality more than combustion-powered home heating appliances. This insightful discussion challenges common perceptions and offers practical insights into maintaining a healthier indoor environment.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.

August 1, 2025Episode 915 min

Ep. 19 Keeping Liquid Heating Fuels Relevant Across the Country

In the Loop chats with three state association executives outside of the northeast to discuss how they are promoting the liquid heating fuels in their regions. Mark Griffin with MPA, Gary Harris with NCPCM, and Alex Boehnke with OECA share insights on their educational campaigns, rebate programs, and partnership with NORA to reach consumers and industry stakeholders. They explore the unique challenges and opportunities in their states, from retaining existing customers and adapting messaging for regional differences to the importance of training the next generation of technicians and how fuel distributors outside the northeast handle the service component of the business.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.

May 12, 2025Episode 821 min

Ep. 18 NORA & Chevron Team to Innovate Liquid Fuel Home Heating

In this episode of In the Loop, Michael Devine and Tom Butcher with NORA and Jason Lawrence from Chevron reveal a cutting-edge initiative, testing 100% renewable liquid heating fuels across homes in the Northeast. This field test explores how biodiesel and renewable diesel blends could revolutionize home heating while dramatically reducing carbon footprints and improve the homeowner experience. Join us as we dive deep into this study that could reshape the future of residential energy consumption and sustainable home comfort.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.

March 4, 2025Episode 726 min

Ep. 17 NORA's 2025 Strategy for Advancing Liquid Fuel Home Heating

In this episode, the NORA team outlines their key initiatives and priorities for 2025 and beyond. The discussion covers a range of topics, including NORA's research into 100% renewable heating oil blends, efforts to improve AFUE ratings and equipment efficiency, new educational and training programs for technicians, and how NORA is using the digital space to improve messaging and outreach to the industry. The NORA leadership team also highlights key opportunities and challenges in the liquid fuel heating sector, from leveraging colder winters and workforce development to essential practices like fuel filtration, tank maintenance, and ensuring long-term system performance.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.

December 9, 2024Episode 630 min

Ep. 16 Paving the Way For 100% Low Carbon Home Heating

In this episode, NORA President Michael Devine sits down with Clean Fuels Alliance America Technical Director Scott Fenwick and this year’s CFA Researchers of the Year Ted Olszewski of R.W. Beckett and Dr. Tom Butcher of NORA explore the technical innovations and collaborative efforts driving the transition to sustainable liquid heating fuels. Hear from these industry experts on advancing ASTM specifications, pioneering field studies, and overcoming challenges to enable widespread adoption of the liquid heating industry and use of higher blends of fuel.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.

October 4, 2024Episode 536 min

Ep. 15 Europe’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality by 2050

In this episode of In the Loop with NORA, we dive deep into the future of liquid fuel fired heating systems in Europe. Join Michael Devine, President of Nora, as he speaks with Federica Miano, Secretary General of Eurofuels, and Dr. Ernst-Moritz Bellingen, Head of Heating at en2X Energy, about Europe’s ambitious decarbonization targets and the role of renewable fuels in domestic heating. Gain a unique perspective of the many similarities and some of the distinct differences between the U.S. and European liquid heating marketplaces and how the U.S. can gain insights from some of the lessons learned in Europe. Discover how hybrid systems, biofuels, and condensing boilers are reshaping the energy landscape, all while balancing efficiency, cost, and sustainability on the path to a fossil-free future.In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.

August 26, 2024Episode 430 min

Ep. 14 Getting to the Root of the Fuel

In this episode, In the Loop chats with three soybean farmers on how the advancement of biofuels have impacted the agricultural community. With an increased demand for low carbon liquid fuels for heating and transportation, soybean farmers are playing a vital role in creating a low carbon future for our country. Greg Anderson, Dave Walton, and Ed Lammers – all lifelong farmers – share their perspectives and experiences with soybean and the transition to low carbon fuels as a result. In the Loop takes a deeper look at research initiatives, equipment considerations, renewable fuels, carbon reduction and technical education, propelling us towards a low-carbon future. For more information, visit noraweb.org.