Minnesota Increases Biodiesel Mandate to 20 Percent

Minnesota will require diesel fuel to contain a mix of 20% biodiesel by May 2018, the result of a new B20 diesel mandate.

The fueling mix will contain 20% soybeans or other renewable sources during warm weather months, and 5% during the winter under the mandate, according to Minnesota Farm Guide.

The mandate will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 1 million tons next year, according to state officials. Minnesota became the first state to mandate biodiesel in 2005, with the most recent mandate requiring 10% renewable sources, according to MPR News. 

The previous B5 and B10 mandates, which required a blend 5% and 10% biodiesel fuel, respectively, added added 63 cents to the price of each bushel of soybeans sold by growers, according to Minnesota Farm Guide.