The Biodiesel Task Force was created by the Legislature in March 2003 to help the state carry out its biodiesel blending mandate and ensure a smooth introduction of biodiesel into the marketplace. The Biodiesel Task Force is charged with advising the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on methods to increase the production and use of biodiesel in Minnesota. Since its creation, the Task Force has helped promote and educate possible biodiesel developers, marketers, consumers and manufacturers throughout the state.
Minnesota’s biodiesel mandate (MS§239.77) currently requires the blending of 5 percent biodiesel, or B5, into the state’s diesel supply. By law, the percent of diesel fuel will increase to 10 percent from April through October each year beginning May 1, 2012 and to 20 percent during the same months beginning May 1, 2015. The Task Force continues to advise the commissioner on the implementation of the state’s biodiesel statutes.
Task Force Meeting Information
- Next meeting -- January 27th, 2012, 1-3p.m.--MDA
See map for Freeman building location. It is recommended that you bring quarters for metered parking.
Biodiesel Task Force Members
- Douglas Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union
- Kevin Paap, Minnesota Farm Bureau
- Dustin Haaland, CHS Inc.
- David Slade, REG Company
- Robert Krogman, Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association
- Kelly Marczak, American Lung Association of Minnesota
- Kristin Weeks-Duncanson, At large
- Dave Ladd, At large
- Ronald Marr, Minnesota Soybean Processors
- Darrick Zarling, University of Minnesota Center for Diesel Research
- Doug Root, AURI
- Brett Webb, Flint Hills Resources, LP
- Bruce Goodrich, R&E Enterprises/Minnesota Trucking Association
- Chris Hill, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association
- Bruce Heine, Magellan Midstream Partners, LP
In 2008 the cold soak filtration test was added to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specification D6751 for B100 biodiesel. However, implementation of this requirement by the IRS was temporarily deferred. The filtration test is intended to reduce or eliminate the subsequent precipitation of particulate matter in biodiesel blends. Even though most producers tested their biodiesel last winter, the cold soak filtration part of the test is now formally required by the federal government before a product qualifies for a federal incentive. As a result, given the last two relatively trouble free winters for biodiesel blends, this new emphasis on compliance with the specification suggests that the performance of biodiesel in the winter of 2009-10 will be even better than before.
MDA Contact
Kevin Hennessy, Biofuels Specialist
Kevin.Hennessy@state.mn.us ~ 651-201-6223
Minnesota Biodiesel Program
Ag Marketing & Development Division
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