Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has announced that the state will implement a new biodiesel standard next spring, as Minnesota moves to a 20% biodiesel blend (B20) at pumps across the state.
According to the governor’s office, this new standard builds on the state’s previous efforts – in 2005, Minnesota became the first state in the nation to require all diesel fuel to have a blend of at least 2% biodiesel, known as B2.
“Minnesota has long been a national leader in adding value to our farm products and encouraging renewable energy,” says Dayton. “The biodiesel industry will add an average of 63 cents to the market price of a bushel of soybeans for Minnesota farmers, while reducing approximately 1 million tons of CO₂ emissions next year under this new standard.”
Beginning in May 2018, B20 will be sold at filling stations across Minnesota during summer months, when higher biodiesel blends can be used reliably. In October, the biodiesel blend will drop back to B5 to ensure cold-weather reliability. Beginning in 2019, B20 will be available from April through September every year.
“Implementing the B20 mandate is the culminating step in Minnesota’s commitment to biodiesel and renewable fuels,” says Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson.
The state currently has three biodiesel plants located in Albert Lea, Brewster and Isanti, which combined, produce about 74 million gallons of biodiesel annually.
“B20 will help keep Minnesota at the forefront of the homegrown clean energy revolution that is expanding economic opportunities for the state’s farmers and rural communities while reducing pollution and improving air quality for everyone,” says Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, whose agency tests fuel quality and ensures that service stations comply with the state’s biodiesel mandate.
“Increasing the share of biodiesel in Minnesota is projected to reduce particulate emissions by 130 tons next year,” adds Minnesota Pollution Control Commissioner Stine. “Increasing biofuels will help protect and preserve Minnesota’s air and water quality for generations to come [and] reduces our reliance on fossil fuels – all while supporting Minnesota farmers.”
