4/21/08-The biodiesel provision in SF2724 has been added to another bill. That bill – SF3683 – is awaiting consideration on the Senate floor.

4/4/08-A bill in the Senate Finance Committee would increase the biodiesel blend offered in the state to 20 percent by 2015. Seasonal exceptions would apply.
Minnesota law now requires large trucks fueling in the state to use a fuel blend that contains at least 2 percent biodiesel during most of the year.
Sponsored by Sen. Jim Vickerman, DFL-Tracy, SF2724 would increase the biodiesel blend offered in the state to at least 5 percent next year. It would be raised to 10 percent in 2012 and top out at 20 percent in 2015.
In the winter months, the requirement would drop back to 5 percent. The exception would continue a policy in the state of easing off the biodiesel mandate in colder months because historically the fuel contributed to operating problems for diesel-powered vehicles during that time period.
Also included in the bill is a provision to use $500,000 for the research into algae as fuel.
For Senate bill status, call (651) 296-0504.
The House version – HF2987 – is in the House Agriculture, Rural Economics and Veterans Affairs Finance Division Committee.