Gov. Mark Dayton proclaimed March 15, 2017, “Biodiesel Day” in recognition of the 15-year anniversary of Minnesota’s biodiesel mandate becoming law in 2002.

“It’s really encouraging to see the Governor and the state of Minnesota recognizing the value and benefits of biodiesel,” says Theresia Gillie, president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA). “Biodiesel has been a big winner for both Minnesota farmers and renewable fuels, and we’re very honored to receive this proclamation.”

Biodiesel is America’s first advanced biofuel and adds an estimated 63 cents to a bushel of a soybeans; B10 (10 percent biodiesel) currently contributes an estimated $1.65 billon each year in total output impact and provides more than 4,000 green jobs to the state’s economy. It has also played a vital role in reducing the United States’ dependency on foreign oil.

Minnesota moves to a B20 summer blend in May 2018, which will equate to removing the emissions from 201,100 passenger vehicles from the state’s roads annually.

“Minnesota has been at the forefront of the biodiesel movement and we hope to continue to lead the way in the future,” says Jim Willers, a Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council director. “Biodiesel has been a real boom to our economy, and proven to improve the environment.”

MSGA and MSR&PC hosted an open house Wednesday, March 15, with farmers and industry leaders to celebrate 15 years with the biodiesel mandate. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., was among several leaders to record video tributes for the open house.