Minnesota will become the first state in the nation to require that most diesel fuel sold in the summer months be a blend containing 10% diesel. Like most states, Minnesota requires a year round 5% blend of B5 for most diesel sales. The B10 mandate will be in effect from July 1, 2014 to October 31, 2014.
The goal for the B10 mandate is to improve the economy and environment. Biodiesel is made mostly from soybean oil, and Minnesota happens to be one of the top soy-bean-growing states. George Goblish, president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, says:
“It’s a safe product, it’s good for the environment, it’s good for farmers, good for the economy. Statewide, there’s over 5,000 jobs that were created by biodiesel…and its homegrown. We don’t have to import any of this. It replaces crude oil. Unfortunately, we’re not North Dakota. We can’t find oil in the ground in Minnesota, so we’ll grow it on top of the ground.”