Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/536661
Fuel Factoid 34 // OWNER OPERATOR // JUNE 2015 by Alice Deters Truckers sue Minnesota over biodiesel mandate A biodiesel mandate in Minnesota is proving to be quite unpopular among those in the trucking in- dustry. On April 17, Minnesota truckers and groups sued the State of Minnesota in efforts to end the state's requirements that all diesel sold at the pump contain 10 percent biodiesel. Trucking companies are arguing that the state mandate is in conflict with federal clean air and renewable fuels laws. In the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Min- nesota, the plaintiffs ask for a permanent in- junction barring enforcement of the existing mandate and any future expansion of a higher biodiesel ratio. The Minnesota Trucking Association has been one of the loudest voices opposing the man- date. They allege that the mandate not only causes the price of diesel fuel to rise, but it also is extra restrictive to trucking companies because it forces them to ignore truck engine warranties that specify using no more than B-5, or 5 percent biodiesel. Minnesota implemented required blending of biodiesel beginning in 2009. Biodiesel is pro- duced from soybean and industrial corn oils and waste oils from the food industry. In July 2014, Minnesota raised its minimum blending ratio from 5 percent to 10 percent, becoming the first state to have a ratio this high. The state says the ratio could eventually rise as high as 20 percent. The ratio remains at 5 per- cent from October to March to reduce the risk of fuel thickening into jelly during the colder temperatures. The Minnesota Trucking Association is re- ceiving plenty of support in their efforts to block the mandate. The Minnesota Automo- bile Dealers Association, Alliance of Auto- mobile Manufacturers, American Petroleum Institute, and American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers have all joined the Minnesota Trucking Associations efforts. Auto dealers and makers are unhappy with the mandates,