Exactly my thoughts, it'll only be effective if it's done properly. Otherwise it's just another half-measure that is more burden than benefit.
That said though, I wonder how much carbon/money rural heating oil specifically generated. It's possible this is just a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme and is an acceptable loss to help these folks out. Although I might prefer a bigger push to get people off heating oil altogether (which is where it's going to have to go eventually).
I hadn't thought about that angle of it, thanks for the insight. Definitely feels like a valid concern.