Minnesota will double biodiesel blend to B20 in 2018

Minnesota is set to double its biodiesel standards to a 20% blend, following endorsement from the commissioners of the state's agriculture, pollution and commerce departments

From next summer the state’s biodiesel standard will be 20%, up from the current 10%, the administration of Governor Mark Dayton announced at the state’s recent Farmfest.

“Implementing the B20 mandate is the culminating step in Minnesota’s commitment to biodiesel and renewable fuels,” said Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Dave Frederickson. “Since 2005, we’ve been the leader in growing the biodiesel industry nationwide, and it has resulted in added value to our agricultural sector.” 

Minnesota has long been a pioneer in the US when it comes to biofuel legislation. In 2005 the state was the first in the US to issue a requirement that all diesel fuel should contain at least 2% biodiesel.

According to the Mankato Free Press, although the new standard will prove popular with Minnesota’s soybean farmers, it’s likely to encounter resistance from diesel producers and the trucking industry. Mankato Free Press claims that production companies have told state officials that the infrastructure is lacking for a switch to a 20% blend.

The new B20 blend will be sold from May to October, when gas stations will then switch back to a 5% blend due to the extreme cold of the Minnesotan winter.

“Implementing the B20 mandate is the culminating step in Minnesota’s commitment to biodiesel and renewable fuels,” said Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Dave Frederickson. “Since 2005, we’ve been the leader in growing the biodiesel industry nationwide, and it has resulted in added value to our agricultural sector.” 

According to a statement from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, biodiesel currently adds 63 cents to a bushel of soybeans. When B20 goes into effect, that value could double. Minnesota’s biodiesel industry annually contributes more than 1.7 billion to the economy.

“Increasing biofuels will help protect and preserve Minnesota’s air and water quality for generations to come, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, all while supporting Minnesota farmers,” says Minnesota Pollution Control Commissioner John Stine.