A requirement that all diesel sold in Missouri contain at least 5 percent biodiesel has passed the State Senate.

Radio station KWMU (St. Louis) reports the measure, set to go into effect in 2010 if it becomes law, passed by a wide 20-11 margin:

The bill’s sponsor, State Senator Bill Stouffer (R, Napton), says B-5 will cause less pollution and reduce wear and tear on commercial trucks.

“It gives us an opportunity to raise fuel in Missouri and keep those dollars inside the state, instead of going to Texas, or the Mid-East or Venezuela,” Stouffer said.

The measure now goes on to the Missouri House. If it passes there, Governor Matt Blunt has indicated he will sign the bill. Blunt called for the mandate in his State of the State address in January.