Behind the Pump: Why Does Minnesota Require Biodiesel?

Every time you fill up with diesel at a Minnesota gas station, you're automatically receiving a biodiesel blend. You don't have to ask for it, and you don't have a choice, as it's required by a Minnesota mandate. That raises a great question: Why?

Most diesel sold in Minnesota contains biodiesel, which is made by processing renewable products like soybean oil, used cooking oil, animal fats, and other agricultural feedstocks into a clean-burning fuel. Biodiesel is blended with traditional petroleum diesel and identified by the percentage in the fuel. For example, B5 contains 5% biodiesel and 95% petroleum diesel, while B20 contains 20% biodiesel. When properly blended, biodiesel delivers the performance customers expect while helping reduce emissions and supporting renewable energy.

So why is biodiesel required in Minnesota but not in every state? Minnesota was the first state in the nation to adopt a statewide biodiesel mandate. The law was created to support Minnesota's strong agricultural economy, reduce dependence on imported petroleum, improve air quality, and encourage the use of renewable fuels produced here in the Midwest. Since the original B2 requirement began in 2005, the program has gradually increased to today's seasonal B5, B10, and B20 blends, making Minnesota a national leader in renewable fuels.

Today, Minnesota's seasonal biodiesel requirements are:

• October 1 – March 31: Minimum B5

• April 1 – April 14: Minimum B10 (transition period)

• April 15 – September 30: Minimum B20

  
  

You may be wondering why Minnesota doesn't simply use B20 all year long. The answer is our climate. During the colder months, lower biodiesel blends provide better cold-weather performance and reduce the risk of fuel gelling, while still delivering the benefits of renewable fuel. As temperatures warm in the spring and summer, the state increases the blend to B20, allowing Minnesota to maximize the use of renewable fuels while maintaining dependable engine performance.

One question we often hear is, "Will biodiesel hurt my engine?" The answer is no, if the fuel meets industry quality standards and is blended correctly. Biodiesel has been used for decades, and virtually every major diesel engine manufacturer approves biodiesel blends, with many approving blends up to B20 when their recommendations are followed. In fact, biodiesel provides additional lubricity, which can help reduce wear in fuel system components.

While Minnesota requires biodiesel statewide, many other states encourage its use through tax incentives, blender credits, low-carbon fuel standards, or renewable fuel programs rather than a statewide blending mandate. At Centra Sota, we carefully manage our seasonal fuel blends to meet Minnesota's requirements while delivering the dependable performance our customers expect.