Tribune staff editorial

Biodiesel fuel has promise for many good things in the future, from economic benefit to agriculture to cleaner air to less dependence on foreign oil.

Monday, March 11, 2002

Biodiesel fuel has promise for many good things in the future, from economic benefit to agriculture to cleaner air to less dependence on foreign oil. A renewable fuel that is also a value-added crop is a benefit in many ways.

However, until widespread acceptance of the fuel is secured in the United States, it would be premature for Minnesota to mandate use of biodiesel, as the legislature is considering doing this week.

If Minnesota passes the bill, it will be the only state requiring that biodiesel fuel be blended with all diesel fuel used in the state. If the biodiesel additive causes diesel prices to rise – and partly because of added infrastructure necessary for oil companies to make biodiesel widely available, it probably will – Minnesota will be discouraging trucking companies, who use a substantial portion of the diesel in the state, to buy their fuel elsewhere. The effect on other diesel users, including in-state shipping, bus transportation and, ironically, farmers, also would be negative, and the costs will be passed on to consumers and taxpayers.

Biodiesel has a bright future, nationally and locally. A local cooperative is considering building the state’s first biodiesel plant in Freeborn County, helping soybean farmers and adding to the local economy. But unless a mandate happens at the federal level, creating an even playing field for every state, the loss may outweigh the gain for all but a few involved. Until it has some assurance that a federal mandate is forthcoming, Minnesota should hold off on this biodiesel legislation.