The Minnesota Department of Agriculture welcomes a new resource published by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal to support greater use of 100% biodiesel, or B100, in public and private fleets across the state. The Biodiesel Fire Code Variance Toolkit was developed in collaboration with MDA, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Minnesota Department of Administration.
Made from renewable resources including soybean oil, B100 offers fleets a homegrown alternative to petroleum diesel. For fleets that rely on trucks, buses, snowplows, and other heavy-duty vehicles, B100 offers a practical, near-term way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, diversify fuel supplies, and advance sustainability goals.
As one of the nation’s leading soybean-producing states, Minnesota has also been a leader in incorporating biodiesel into its diesel fuel supply. The state’s B20 blending mandate, in effect during the warmer months, requires most diesel fuel sold in Minnesota to contain 20% biodiesel between April and September.
“Expanding access to B100 creates another important domestic market for the soybeans grown by Minnesota farmers,” said Joe Smentek, executive director of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. “This toolkit brings us one step closer to giving more fleets the option to use a reliable, renewable fuel produced here at home. MSGA appreciates the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s work on making this a reality for heavy-duty diesel fleets.”
As public and private fleets look for ways to manage costs amid high and volatile diesel prices, interest in B100 is growing, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles that may be more difficult or costly to electrify.
Fleet operators interested in storing and dispensing biodiesel blends above 20% are encouraged to review the Biodiesel Fire Code Variance Toolkit and contact their local fire department or fire code official early in the planning process.
The toolkit is available on the Biodiesel Dispensing page of the State Fire Marshal website.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
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