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Make it a 2-percent blend
By Troy Krause
The Redwood Gazette

Biodiesel can be made from vegetable oils, animal fat or other renewable oils. What makes it most attractive for rural Minnesota is that it can be produced from soybeans.

Minnesota is the first state to mandate statewide use of biodiesel. The 2 percent blend will take affect only after state biodiesel production exceeds eight million gallons and the federal government provides a biodiesel credit for the blend.

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  • Text version of this story
    • Depending on the credit, implementation could come earlier than 2005, according to District 15B Rep. Gary Kubly.

    "It has been an uphill battle, but the Legislature finally has come around to the realization that biodiesel represents hope for a better economic future for rural Minnesota and farm-based energy independence for our state and country," Kubly said.

    District 22 Sen. Jim Vickerman said it is a "win-win" situation.

    "It surely isn't the salvation Minnesota farmers need, but it is a step in the right direction," Vickerman said.

    Unlike state ethanol plants, state subsidies are not available for biodiesel plants, Vickerman said.

    Redwood County farmer Lance Otto said the biodiesel bill is a step forward for farmers. It will impact not only farmers, but many rural residents.

    "The original bill was for a 5 percent blend, but it was dropped to a 2 percent introduction," Otto said. "If it does go up to 5 percent, once people are more comfortable with it, it will have a greater impact."

    There are those who do not support the biodiesel bill, Vickerman admitted, including truckers, but Vickerman believes that in the long run, they will support it, too.

    "I know all of the truckers I have talked to from my area are in support of it," he said.

    Biodiesel makes sense from the standpoint of energy, agricultural and environmental policy, Kubly said. He noted that the ethanol industry has seen tremendous growth over the past 15 years.

    "We can do the same with biodiesel," Kubly said.

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    Last updated: February 1, 2006