Minnesota Releases New Biodiesel Fuel Code Toolkit

The state provides a roadmap for fleet operators to secure variances for B100 biodiesel usage.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Minnesota Releases New Biodiesel Fuel Code Toolkit

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The Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal has published a new toolkit to guide fleet operators through the fire code variance process for B100 biodiesel. This initiative aims to assist operators who wish to use higher biodiesel blends that lack standard equipment certifications.

Why it matters

Current formal equipment listings for biodiesel blends above 20% have not kept pace with fleet interest, creating a barrier to adoption. The toolkit is intended to support the goals of the Minnesota Climate Action Framework by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.

Minnesota currently mandates a B20 blend for diesel fuel sold between April and September. The new toolkit specifically addresses the implementation of B100 fuel, which contains 100% biodiesel.

The players

Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal

This state agency is responsible for fire safety regulations and overseeing code compliance for fuel storage and dispensing equipment.

City of Edina

This municipality has already upfitted ten of its heavy-duty diesel-consuming assets to operate on B100 fuel.

The details

Fleet operators must now use this roadmap to navigate the variance process, which requires detailed site plans, fuel specifications, and equipment information. This process is necessary because no complete fuel-dispensing systems are currently listed by nationally recognized laboratories for biodiesel blends exceeding 20%.

The Minnesota Climate Action Framework was originally published in 2022.
The B20 blending mandate for diesel fuel is in effect from April through September.
The Minnesota Climate Action Framework was updated in 2026.
Legislators urged the EPA to expand fuel eligibility on October 15, 2026.
The article was published on October 28, 2026.

Roadmap

This toolkit signals a shift in how state regulators handle emerging fuel technology that outpaces existing national testing standards. It positions Minnesota as a proactive coordinator in helping public and private fleets transition to higher-blend biofuels ahead of industry-wide certification.

Fleet operators can now follow a clear administrative path to integrate B100 biodiesel into their heavy-duty operations. This reduces the uncertainty previously associated with obtaining fire code variances for equipment not yet formally listed for high-blend biofuels.

The takeaway

This toolkit streamlines the regulatory process for businesses looking to adopt higher concentrations of renewable fuel. Fleet managers should review these guidelines to ensure their fuel-dispensing infrastructure meets safety requirements before applying for variances.