The Missouri State Senate has given first round approval to a 5% biodiesel mandate.

This story on eTrucker.com says Senator Bill Stouffer’s bill would require all diesel sold in the state would have to have at least five percent biodiesel beginning in April 2009:

Not only would the biodiesel mandate benefit agriculture, but “This is something that’s good for the environment, and I think it’s going to be very good for the trucking industry,” Stouffer said.

While the trucking industry has opposed similar biodiesel mandates elsewhere, the Missouri Motor Carriers Association remains neutral on this bill. Association officials say the difference is that this bill sets quality standards for biodiesel.