Truckers Concerned About Minn.’s New 2% Biodiesel Mandate

innesota has become the first state to require that diesel fuel contain a blend of 2% biodiesel — a mandate that has trucking worried about the cost and performance of the blended fuel, said John Hausladen, president of the Minnesota Trucking Association.

Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning fuel made largely from soybeans and other vegetable oils and fats. The law went into effect Sept. 29, after state Commissioner of Agriculture Gene Hugoson certified that biodiesel plants in the state were ready to supply the blend.

“Our biggest concern is performance in cold weather,” Hausladen said. “[Biodiesel] jells faster than diesel and at higher temperatures.”