Missouri House passes bill establishing biodiesel use requirement throughout state

The Missouri State Capitol building in Jefferson City

Missouri, where the U.S. commercial biodiesel industry began 30 years ago through an investment by the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and where the National Biodiesel Board formed shortly thereafter, took a big step forward March 31 in its support of biodiesel. Already one of the largest biodiesel-producing states, Missouri is now poised to become a big consumer of biodiesel as well. In a bipartisan 88-40 vote, the Missouri Made Fuels Act (House Bill 529) passed out of the state House of Representatives where it now joins companion legislation in the Senate, SB 96.

HB 529 was sponsored by Rep. Mike Haffner of Pleasant Hill and establishes a minimum biodiesel content of 5 percent from April 2023 through March 2024 for all diesel fuel sold or offered for sale in Missouri, with noted off-road exemptions. Starting April 2024, the minimum content would jump to 10 percent for the warmer months of April through October and revert back to 5 percent November through March. The bill’s sunset is 2031, unless reauthorized. There are stipulations, such as 50 percent or more of the biodiesel must be made in Missouri. To read the bill, click here.

“We’re glad to see this vote and the strong support for the Missouri Made Fuels Act,” said Ronnie Russell, Missouri Soybean Association president and a farmer from Richmond. “Soybean oil is the top component of Missouri-made biodiesel, and that’s win-win for Missouri because soybeans are our number one crop. We appreciate the recognition of biodiesel’s impact across Missouri and the bright future ahead for our economy, rural communities and agriculture.”

According to the Missouri Soybean Association, the legislation has widespread support among agricultural organizations and businesses, including livestock groups.

Missouri is a national leader in biodiesel production, with seven plants generating roughly 200 million gallons of the renewable fuel per year. In Missouri, biodiesel production and distribution support more than 3,200 jobs and provides a $1.3 billion economic impact.