Minnesota Governor Establishes Biodiesel Task Force

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty recently announced the formation of a Biodiesel Task Force to accelerate development of the state's biodiesel industry. The nine-member group will advise the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) on methods to increase production and use of biodiesel in Minnesota.

Legislation passed by the 2002 Minnesota Legislature requires that 2 percent of Minnesota’s diesel fuel be replaced with biodiesel by June 2005. This requirement will take effect on the condition that the state has developed by that time an annual biodiesel production capacity of at least 8 million gallons. To help reach that production capacity and ensure a smooth introduction of biodiesel into the marketplace, the new task force will help promote and educate possible biodiesel developers, marketers, consumers and manufacturers.

Governor Pawlenty said the task force will play a key role in making biodiesel use widespread in Minnesota.

“The task force will be an important tool for spurring biodiesel production in Minnesota,” the governor said in a press statement. “It will generate new, creative ideas for biodiesel producers.”

The task force will include representatives from farm organizations, fat and oil processors, the petroleum industry, environmental and/or public health groups, grower organizations, research and education experts, and consumers. Task force meetings will cover all biodiesel issues from a regular update on local, regional and national biodiesel activities to discussions on developing the biodiesel market and production industry.