Minnesota Expands Biodiesel Use

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Minnesota cements its role among renewable energy leaders by becoming the first state to require the diesel fuel supply include 10 percent biodiesel.  Beginning July 1 2014, all diesel fuel sold in Minnesota will be B10.


‘Minnesota has been a pioneer, first demonstrating success with a five percent biodiesel blend. Moving to B10 continues the state’s role as a leader for our energy future, a future that includes diverse options like America’s advanced biofuel, biodiesel,” said Steven Levy, chairman of the National Biodiesel Board. 


The transition to B10 was originally scheduled for 2012. It was delayed, however, to ensure the blending infrastructure was sufficient across the entire state. B10 will be available at the pump from April through September. B5 will remain the standard the rest of the year.  Farmers, public transportation systems, fleet operators, school bus fleets, commercial carriers and private users have successfully used higher blends across the country.  While Illinois has a tax incentive that encourages biodiesel blends at 11% or higher, Minnesota is the first state to require the blend.  


‘It is encouraging to see leaders implement consistently strong biofuels policy; this is obviously in sharp contrast to the mixed messages sent from Washington,” said Levy. ‘Minnesota’s move to B10 shows the impressive potential for renewable energy when policy and entrepreneurship work hand in hand to support real benefits that impact us all. Hopefully those at the national level will see the success in Minnesota and follow up with a strong federal energy policy and strong renewable fuel standard.”


According to the American Lung Association of Minnesota, the state’s current B5 standard reduces emissions equal to removing nearly 35,000 vehicles from the road, which equates to 644 million pounds of atmospheric carbon dioxide.  Increasing the blend from B5 to B10 will mean an additional demand of 20 million gallons of biodiesel each year on top of the current usage of 40 million gallons. Minnesota’s current operating production capacity is over 60 million gallons per year. Plants are currently operating in Isanti, Brewster and Albert Lea.


Biodiesel is the first and only commercial-scale fuel produced across the U.S. to meet the EPA’s definition as an advanced biofuel’meaning the EPA has determined that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% when compared with petroleum diesel.


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