Minnesota was the first state to mandate the use of biodiesel. As of May 1, 2009, all diesel fuel sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must contain 5 percent biodiesel (B5), and by 2015, state law mandates the blending of 20 percent biodiesel into the diesel fuel supply (B20).

Because it is made from a locally-grown, renewable resource, using biodiesel can help boost Minnesota’s farm economy and reduce dependence on foreign fossil fuels. It is estimated that the state’s B5 requirement will replace 40 million gallons of diesel fuel with domestic, renewable biodiesel—and Minnesota’s 65 million gallons of biodiesel production capacity can easily meet that demand.

"Minnesota has led the nation in unleashing a renewable energy revolution," Governor Pawlenty said. "Other states are starting to catch on and it’s time for us to continue to blaze the trail to a cleaner, more secure energy future. Increasing the level of biodiesel in diesel fuel means that more of our energy will come from farm fields rather than oil fields and that’s a good thing."