Soybean growers are pushing Minnesota state legislators to require biodiesel to be blended into all diesel fuel sold in the state.

The soybean industry tried five times last year, but a bill that would have required all diesel-powered engines to run on a 2 percent blend of biodiesel died during the final days of the 2001 legislative session.
So far, there is no similar bill on the table, but that's likely to change. The soybean industry is airing radio commercials urging listeners to contact their lawmakers to demand the requirement.
Those opposed to such a measure, including truckers, the mining industry, airlines and the American Automobile Assn., say a biodiesel mandate would mean more expensive costs to those that have to buy the fuel. "This is no time to adopt a policy that would hurt business," said John Hausladen, president of the Minnesota Trucking Assn.