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A year ago, clogged fuel filters and angry truckers were a big part of the biodiesel scene in Minnesota, where the state had just implemented a biodiesel requirement. But according to this story in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, this past winter was much better:

Truckers in Minnesota still experienced lots of clogged fuel filters over the winter, but an extensive analysis at the University of Minnesota found that other problems – not biodiesel-related – were overwhelmingly to blame. Kelly Strebig, a U research engineer, nevertheless got an earful on the Minnesota Diesel Help Line.

“When we got the real cold weather in late January and February, then we got a lot of calls, complaints from throughout the state,” Strebig said. “Of those, we really had very few that we could trace to the biodiesel problem.”

Nationally, “we did see sporadic incidents that had to do both with fuel quality and some handling issues,” said Jenna Higgins, a National Biodiesel Board spokeswoman. “But in general, I would say that the fuel suppliers have a heightened awareness of what it takes to produce a quality product every time. And as they become more savvy, the problems are decreasing.”

Things seem to be getting so much better, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty wants to raise the state’s 2% biodiesel mandate to 5% once the last of the problems are fixed.

The other day I told you about a pair of Wisconsin biodiesel homebrewers who have been sent a tax bill by the state for about 33 cents a gallon of what they’ve been making and using in their vehicles. Now, a Virginia man has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor tax evasion on biodiesel he’s been making and selling.

According to this story in the Roanoke (VA) Times, Sam Bolt of Carroll County, Virginia got suspended one-year jail sentences and a $250 fine. A plea bargain ended up dropping a related felony charge:

“I’m satisfied with that,” Bolt said outside the Carroll County courthouse. “Getting this over with is my concern.”

“Consideration of everything else he’s got coming is why we did what we did here today,” Goad said. “He’s got a lot of issues to address outside these proceedings.”

Bolt was making biodiesel out of vegetable oil. He made about 5,600 gallons during a three-month period.

“If being innovative and supplying cheap fuel to the public to reduce the stranglehold foreign oil has on us is the charge, I’m guilty,” Bolt said outside the courthouse.”I think the American people want this.”

According to the article, even the judge in the case admitted Bolt might be a pioneer… but he said homebrewers need to get up-to-speed on fuel regulations.

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle and officials with North Prairie Productions, LLC were among those at a groundbreaking ceremony in Evansville for the state’s latest biodiesel plant. According to this article posted on the Wisconsin Technology Network web site, when completed, the plant will produce 45 million gallons of biodiesel a year:

“Our state has the ideal resources to be a national model for renewable energy – from agriculture and forestry, to manufacturing and cutting-edge innovation,” Doyle said in prepared remarks.

Doyle brought the state’s checkbook with him giving NPP $250-thousand in funding. But the bulk of the money to build and run the plant is coming from private investors:

Mike Robinson, president of North Prairie Productions, is delighted with the state’s support, but even more grateful to investors. While biofuels have plenty of detractors, Robinson said about 800 investors, all Wisconsin residents, have committed an average of $30,000 to the company as part of an equity drive that will close on April 5.

No single investor has more than a five percent stake. “It really is a broad-based Wisconsin ownership,” Robinson said, “and we’re proud of that.”

Soybeans will be the feedstock for the biodiesel. Construction is expected to continue over the next year.