Biodiesel fuel requirement waived because of cold weather
Cold weather concerns of many Minnesotans have led the Minnesota Department of Commerce to temporarily suspend the requirement that some of its diesel fuels be blended with 5 percent biodiesel this winter, said state Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, one of the lawmakers who sought the waiver.
Cold weather concerns of many Minnesotans have led the Minnesota Department of Commerce to temporarily suspend the requirement that some of its diesel fuels be blended with 5 percent biodiesel this winter, said state Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, one of the lawmakers who sought the waiver.
The waiver, which is effective from January 15 through March 31, came after the Minnesota Biodiesel Council and the Minnesota Petroleum Marketers Association expressed concerns that 5 percent biodiesel mixed with the diesel fuel most used in farm equipment, so-called No. 1 diesel, could lead to clogged fuel filters in extreme cold weather, according to a release from the Commerce Department.
The B5 mandate still applies to No. 2 diesel.
“I’m happy to see that the state could be flexible on this issue and respond to the needs of Minnesota consumers,” Ingebrigtsen said. “This waiver will give the state some time to determine the cause of the problem.”
Consumers experiencing problems regarding the use of diesel and biodiesel fuel can refer to the Biodiesel Handling Guide posted on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website at www.mda.state.mn.us or contact the Minnesota Diesel/Biodiesel Helpline at 1-800-929-3437.
Tags: news, biodiesel, weather, minnesota, ingebrigtsen
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