While it has no oil wells, Minnesota is a motor-fuel-producing state. Minnesota has an annual production capacity of 63 million gallons of biodiesel, made primarily from the oil found in locally grown soybeans as well as other plant-based and recycled cooking oils. It's a homegrown fuel and star of the show at the Biodiesel Green Room exhibit at the 40th annual Twin Cities Auto Show running March 9-17 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

In addition to an assortment of other green vehicles, the Biodiesel Green Room will showcase clean diesel passenger vehicles capable of running on biodiesel blends. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about biodiesel and diesel vehicles.

“I use biodiesel in my truck, and it works great,” stated Bill Zurn, farmer and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) domestic marketing committee chair. “What most people don’t realize is biodiesel blends can be used in all existing diesel engines. We can all benefit from biodiesel in Minnesota, and the auto show provides the perfect opportunity to help communicate that.”

The main show floor will also feature a variety of biodiesel-ready vehicles including the Minnesota debut of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, a new small sedan that is expected to get 42 miles per gallon (highway) and is approved for biodiesel blends up to 20 percent (B20). 

“Minnesota was the first state in the nation to require biodiesel blends in all diesel sold, so this is a perfect state to showcase the new, cleaner diesel vehicles that include advanced pollution control systems,” said Kelly Marczak, environmental programs director for the American Lung Association in Minnesota. “Vehicle exhaust is the single largest source of air pollution in our state, so it is important to educate people on the advantages of renewable fuels and vehicle technologies that reduce emissions.”

“Biodiesel is one of the most environmentally friendly fuels on the planet,” commented Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Director Dan Brandt, farmer and domestic marketing co-chair. “It is the only commercial fuel designated by the U.S. EPA as an advanced biofuel. As a soybean grower, I’m proud to be contributing to a better environment that everybody can enjoy.”

For more information, go to http://www.biodiesel.mn. The exhibit is sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.