Why is biodiesel good for Minnesota?
$1.7B
Economic boost
One million gallons of biodiesel production contributes $22.8 million in statewide total economic output from farming, manufacturing and distribution. The total economic-output impact is estimated to be $1.7 billion, with the total employment impact estimated at 5,397 jobs.
230K
Greenhouse gas reductions
The U.S. EPA recognizes biodiesel as the only advanced biofuel for its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent. Using B20 in the summer and B5 in the winter equates to removing the emissions from more than 230,000 passenger vehicles.
7.4B
Health benefits
According to the American Lung Association of Minnesota, during the first 10-years with biodiesel as a fuel standard for Minnesota, a reduction of more than 7.4 billion pounds of carbon dioxide was realized.
Why is biodiesel good for Minnesota
soybean farmers?
Switching to a 20 percent biodiesel blend (B20):
Adds 63¢ per bushel to the market price of soybeans
Increases annual demand for MN Soybean crop 13%
Adds $237 million to the state’s ag economy
Know the facts
Myth
Biodiesel does not perform well in Minnesota winters.
Fact
Biodiesel performance in colder temperatures has improved significantly.
Myth
Biodiesel use will void warranties.
Fact
Nearly 80 percent of the OEMs producing diesel vehicles for U.S. markets support B20 or higher blends.
Myth
Biodiesel fuel quality is inconsistent.
Fact
This may have been true more than a decade ago; however, today’s biodiesel meets stringent ASTM fuel specifications.
Myth
Biodiesel drives up fuel prices.
Fact
The truth is that biodiesel provides a value-added by-product by using soybean oil that would otherwise go to waste.
Diesel hotline or biodiesel help
The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council invests checkoff money into resources to ensure users of biodiesel in Minnesota have access to information if there is a suspected fuel issue. Anyone experiencing diesel issues can contact MEG Corp. through its diesel hotline at 1-800-929-3437 or by email at info@megcorpmn.com.
Biodiesel handling
information on the proper and safe use of biodiesel and biodiesel blends in engines and boilers. The guide is intended to help fleets, individual users, blenders, distributors and those involved in related activities understand procedures for handling and using biodiesel fuels.
Biodiesel supporters in Minnesota
Biodiesel frequently asked questions
Biodiesel is a clean-burning fuel produced from domestic, renewable sources such as soybean oil. When produced from soybeans, only the oil portion of the soybean is used to make biodiesel, leaving all the protein available to nourish livestock and humans.
All major U.S. engine manufacturers approve of the use of biodiesel blends. Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines without modification in blends up to 20 percent.
To name a few, biodiesel supports 62,000 jobs in the United States, helped increase soybean prices by an estimated 63 cents per bushel, and is expected to reach an economic output of $148.7 billion by 2022.
Biodiesel reduces life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent, and leaves the smallest carbon footprint compared to all other liquid fuels.
