Minnesota becomes first state to require B10 biodiesel

July 2, 2014, Jefferson City, Mo. – Reducing greenhouse gas
and increasing jobs, Minnesota cements its role among renewable energy leaders
by becoming the first state to require the diesel fuel supply include 10 per cent
biodiesel (B10).  Beginning July 1, 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 for the
National Biodiesel Board. 

The transition to B10 was originally scheduled for 2012. It
was delayed, however, to ensure 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 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 percent 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, DC,” 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 percent when compared with petroleum diesel. Produced in nearly every
state in the country, the industry has exceeded RFS requirements in every year
of the program, reaching a record U.S. market of nearly 1.8 billion gallons and
supporting more than 62,000 jobs nationwide.