MINNEAPOLIS — Starting next July, Minnesota will become the first state in the nation to require that

most diesel fuel sold in the warm-weather months be a blend containing 10 percent biodiesel, under regulations finalized this week.

Minnesota currently requires a year-round 5 percent blend known as B5 for most diesel sales. The B10 mandate will kick in July 1, 2014, and run through Oct. 31, but starting in 2015 the 10 percent requirement will be in effect May 1-Oct. 31.

Biodiesel is made mostly from soybean oil. Its backers including the Minnesota Soybean Association call it an environmentally friendly, homegrown renewable fuel that creates jobs and demand for crops.

While the fuel can gel at cold temperatures, the Minnesota Trucking Association opposed raising the requirement primarily because of cost concerns.