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If you work with a diesel fleet, you use biodiesel. Minnesota has been a leader in biofuel adoption and became the first state to require biodiesel in all diesel fuel beginning in 2005. The requirement began at 2% and increased incrementally to 20%. Since 2018, B20 is required from April to September and reduces to 5% in October due to biodiesel’s higher cloud point. In 2026, Minnesota can look back on more than two decades of biodiesel use and eight successful years of B20 implementation during the summer months. 

Before the highest blends were implemented, some forward-thinking fleets voluntarily adopted B10 and B20. Their motivation: biodiesel offers the most cost-effective and readily available strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without sacrificing the power and performance of diesel equipment. Designated an Advanced Biofuel by the U.S. EPA, biodiesel reduces lifecycle GHGs by up to 86% compared to petroleum diesel. B20 reduces GHGs by 15%. As fleets increasingly prioritize sustainability goals, interest is growing in blends above B20 that can deliver even greater emission reductions. 

One fleet leading the way is Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) District 8 in Willmar. Charged with reducing fossil fuel use, the district explored strategies to use more biodiesel. In the summer of 2021, they launched a pilot program trialing B30 and B50. According to Skyler Carpenter, Fleet Coordinator, higher biodiesel blends were attractive because they could be implemented with existing fueling infrastructure and equipment. “It delivers the same performance in our existing diesel engines.” During the pilot, MNDOT used 4,860 gallons of B29 and 7,012 gallons of B50. While MNDOT uses more diesel during the winter snowplowing season, using higher blends during summer had a significant impact, reducing fossil fuel consumption by 27% during the trial. 

Biodiesel blends up to B5 are covered under ASTM D975, the fuel specification for diesel, because they do not significantly alter the fuel’s characteristics. Blends from B6 to B20 have their own specification, D7467. Fuel specifications are developed and maintained by a committee of biofuel and petroleum producers, major engine manufacturers and regulatory agencies. MEG Corp has conducted testing on B30 and B50 with various feedstocks. Results show that these blends meet D7467, the specification for B6-B20, for every parameter except biodiesel content (maximum 20%).

Biodiesel quality is no longer in question. Ongoing industry testing shows biodiesel consistently meets and exceeds the B100 specification (D6751), resulting in increased confidence among OEMs and fleet managers. 

Blends up to B20 are widely accepted for use in diesel vehicles and equipment without modifications. While B20 use is common, momentum for higher blends is building and OEMs are taking notice. Last year, John Deere became the first OEM to approve the use of B30 across its entire lineup of engine platforms and model years, marking a significant milestone for the industry. John Deere previously approved B100 in their Tier 3 and Tier 2 engines. 

Despite the success of the 2021 pilot, MnDOT was unable to continue using higher blends the following year. Biodiesel is not part of fire code and UL listed dispensing equipment for blends higher than B20 are not available. MNDOT was granted a waiver to conduct the pilot in 2021, without the ability to renew. Recognizing the opportunity to make change, Carpenter and other stakeholders worked to educate state and local Fire Marshals about biodiesel’s characteristics. With a higher flash point and lower hazard profile than petroleum diesel, higher blends pose negligible risk. MNDOT was granted a new waiver to use B50 in 2025 and their use resulted in an additional reduction of 40 metric tons of CO2 compared to B20, equivalent to driving a gasoline-powered vehicle 104,429 miles, burning 45,543 pounds of coal, or powering 8.6 homes with electricity for an entire year. According to Carpenter “Using B50 has been straightforward, and in our experience, it hasn’t presented any drawbacks. We’ve had zero fuel-related issues, and if our operations team hadn’t been told they were using B50, they wouldn’t have noticed any difference. It’s an easy way to support sustainability goals without the added cost of vehicle modifications, new equipment, or additional infrastructure. It’s something you can do today that makes a difference. There’s really no reason for hesitation—if you’re considering B50, give it a try.”

MnDOT District 8 demonstrates the significant impact a single fleet can have in just five months. As more fleets seek practical and affordable pathways to reduce emissions, higher biodiesel blends offer a proven solution that leverages existing vehicles, infrastructure, and fuel distribution systems while delivering meaningful environmental benefits.

MEG Corp is a fuel consulting company working with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotional Council to provide education and technical support to diesel fleets. We operate a fuel quality testing lab to support fleets that want to extend their B20 use into shoulder seasons or use biodiesel blends higher than B20. MEG Corp’s support is provided at no cost to diesel fleets interested in utilizing higher biodiesel blends.