March 15 was Biodiesel Day in Minnesota, proclaimed by Gov. Mark Dayton in recognition of the 15 year anniversary of Minnesota’s biodiesel mandate becoming law in 2002.

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) was celebrating yesterday because they helped design that legislation which made Minnesota the first state in the nation to require 10 percent biodiesel, or B10, in diesel blends sold during the summer months. The state moves to a B20 summer blend in May 2018, which will equate to removing 201,100 vehicles from the state’s roads annually.

“It’s really encouraging to see the governor and the state of Minnesota recognizing the value and benefits of biodiesel,” said MSGA president Theresia Gillie. “Biodiesel has been a big winner for Minnesota farmers and renewable fuels, and we’re very honored to receive this proclamation.”

Minnesota got a head start on the rest of the country in celebrating biodiesel. Saturday, March 18, is National Biodiesel Day, observed annually on the birthday of Rudolph Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine.