Q&A with the Minnesota Department of Commerce Q: Minnesota’s biodiesel mandate changes throughout the year. What levels am I required to have in my bulk storage tank throughout the year? A: The Minnesota biodiesel mandate applies to sales of diesel meant to be used in internal combustion engines, not to fuel already stored in bulk …
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If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the biodiesel industry, this may be your chance. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) will be selecting applicants to get a look inside the industry by attending the National Biodiesel Conference in San Diego, CA. This is an opportunity to learn more about biodiesel and …
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Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council to promote B20, ‘Indomitus’ truck Beards, biodiesel and Bandit Big Rig racing— that’s what’s in store for racing enthusiasts Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Elko Speedway. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and the Bandit Big Rig Series have teamed up to present the Bandit Biodiesel 20. …
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Minnesota soybean farmers represented at National Biodiesel Board member meeting Three Minnesota soybean farmers traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to be a voice for the biodiesel industry on Capitol Hill. Chris Hill, Jim Willers and Ron Obermoller represented Minnesota at the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) member meeting June 25-27. The three soybean farmers, along …
Continue reading “Biodiesel tax credit, small refiner exemptions hot topics in D.C.”
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) expressed appreciation that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed an increase in the biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel categories under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). While the proposed increase sends a very positive signal to the industry, EPA’s granting of dozens of retroactive small refinery hardship exemptions undercut prior …
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When Minnesota moved to B20 on May 1, Eyota, Minn., farmer Dan Brandt was already a step ahead of the blending requirement. “When May 1 rolled around, I was still using B100 on my farm. Biodiesel is one of my hot button issues. It works great.” Earlier this year, Brandt retired from his post as …
During my tenure as a journalist in Washington, D.C., I can recall many an editor cautioning me, “the numbers don’t tell the whole story,” or “look beyond the numbers.” I can now say that it was wise advice for a naïve young man.
It’s part of the reason I traveled to southeastern Minnesota to put a human face on biodiesel’s economic impact on rural communities. Certainly, the numbers on a statewide basis are impressive. According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the total economic impact of the biodiesel industry is estimated at $1.7 billion, with the total employment impact estimated at nearly 5,400 jobs.
A new academic paper published in Biotechnology for Biofuels shows biodiesel’s benefits are even better than previous models suggest. Updated modeling from Purdue University suggests the advantage of using biodiesel has been underestimated by 10 percent.