State Biodiesel Mandates

The following four states have biodiesel mandates in effect: 

 

Minnesota - All diesel fuel sold or offered for sale in Minnesota for use in 

internal combustion engines must contain at least 5% biodiesel (B5) by volume. 

The percentage increases to 10% by May 1, 2012 and 20% by May 1, 2015. 

While the B5 mandate is year-round, the move to B10 and B20 are seasonal, 

from April through October. (Reference Minnesota Statutes 239.77 and 239.75). 

Oregon –Two percent biodiesel (B2) mandate began in October 2009. When 

the annual in-state production of biodiesel reaches 15 million gallons, all diesel 

fuel sold in the state must contain at least 5% biodiesel. In evaluating these 

production triggers, only feedstock from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and 

Montana will count. As such, there are no estimates as to when the production 

triggers will be achieved and the increased mandate will take effect. Beginning 

January 2, 2012, renewable diesel will qualify as a substitute for biodiesel in the 

blending requirement. (Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 646.913 and 

646.921-646.923) 

Portland - Effective July 1, 2007, all diesel fuel sold in the Portland city 

limits must contain a minimum of 5% biodiesel (B5) that meets ASTM D 

6751 standards. The diesel blend requirement will increase to 10% 

biodiesel on July 1, 2010. (Reference Portland Code and Charter

16.60.020) 

Washington – At least 2% of the diesel sold in Washington must be biodiesel or 

renewable diesel. The biodiesel requirement would increase to 5% once in-state 

feedstocks and oil-seed crushing capacity can meet a 3% requirement. 

(Reference Revised Code of Washington 19.112.010 and 19.112.110 through 

19.112.180) 

Pennsylvania –As of January 1, 2010, all diesel fuel sold in Pennsylvania must 

contain 2% biodiesel (B2) by volume. The biodiesel mandate increases to: 

- 5% once in-state production reaches 100 million gal/yr for three months, 

- 10% once in-state production reaches 200 million gal/yr for three months, 

- 20% once in-state production reaches 400 million gal/yr for three months. 

(Reference Title 73 Pennsylvania Statutes 1650.3 and 1650.4) 

(over) 
The following three states have enacted biodiesel mandates that have not yet 

taken effect: 

Massachusetts – All diesel motor vehicle fuel and home heating oil must 

contain at least 2% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2010; 3% renewable diesel 

fuel by July 1, 2011; 4% renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2012; and 5% 

renewable diesel fuel by July 1, 2013. For these purposes, eligible renewable 

diesel fuel includes diesel fuel that is derived predominantly from renewable 

biomass and yields at least a 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) 

emissions relative to the average lifecycle GHG emissions for petroleum-based 

diesel fuel sold in 2005. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources 

must also study the feasibility, benefits, and costs of applying the percentage 

mandates on a statewide average basis rather than for every gallon of diesel 

motor fuel sold. (Reference Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94, Section 

295G.5) 

New Mexico – After July 1, 2012, all diesel fuel sold to consumers for use in 

motor vehicles operating on streets and highways must contain at least B5. The 

Director of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and Secretary of the 

Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department may suspend these 

requirements for up to six months, if sufficient amounts of biodiesel are not 

available or if the price of biodiesel significantly exceeds the price of diesel fuel 

for at least two months. (Reference New Mexico Statutes 57-19-28 and 57-19-

29) 

Louisiana - Within six months after monthly production of biodiesel produced in 

the state equals or exceeds an annual production volume of 10 million gallons, 

2% of the total diesel sold by volume in the state must be biodiesel produced 

from domestically grown feedstock. “Biodiesel” is defined as a fuel comprised of 

mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from renewable resources and 

meeting the requirements of ASTM D-6751, or a diesel fuel substitute produced 

from non-petroleum renewable resources such as vegetable oils and animal fats 

that meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel and fuel additive 

requirements. (Reference Louisiana Revised Statutes 3:4674, 3:4674.1, and 

3:3712, 3:3751, and 3:3752) 

* * * * * 

Several states have enacted biodiesel financial incentives and mandates applicable to 

state vehicles, which may be viewed through the following link: 

http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/progs/tech_matrx.cgi

(last updated January 2010)