In 2005, Minnesota became the first state in the nation to require all diesel fuel to have a blend of at least 2 percent biodiesel, known as B2. Minnesota will once again become a leader when it becomes the first state to implement B20 next year.

“This state has been a leader in renewable fuels for the past 30 years,” said Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Dave Frederickson during an appearance at Minnesota Farmfest Thursday with the Minnesota Soybean Growers new DieselSellerz biodiesel truck. The state will move from a 10 percent biodiesel blend (B10) to a 20 percent blend (B20) requirement for summertime months beginning May 1, 2018.

Audio file: MN Ag Commissioner Dave Fredrickson announces B20 at Farmfest

The state currently has three biodiesel plants located in Albert Lea, Brewster and Isanti, which produce more than 74 million gallons of biodiesel annually. The Albert Lea facility is owned and operated by Renewable Energy Group, Inc. aid “REG and our biodiesel industry partners will be ready to deliver the approximately 30 million additional gallons of cleaner-burning biodiesel to Minnesota consumers during the summer months which will improve both the state’s economy and environment,” said Gary Haer, REG Vice President, Sales & Marketing.