HF43

This bill is focused on agriculture and aims to support the enhancement of biofuel infrastructure. It proposes allocating $4,500,000 in both fiscal year 2026 and 2027 from Minnesota's general fund. This money is designated for grants to help retail petroleum dispensers, fuel storage tanks, and other related equipment to start dispensing biofuels, in line with Minnesota’s biofuel replacement goals.

To qualify, a retail station can have up to 15 locations, all of which must be in Minnesota, and they should sell petroleum suitable for spark ignition engines of vehicle models post-2000. The grant funds are specifically for upgrading equipment to handle E25 biofuel, with a cap of $200,000 available per station. Unused funds from 2026 can be carried into 2027. Starting in fiscal year 2028, the base budget for this grant will be $3,000,000.

The Commissioner of Agriculture is tasked with managing this program collaboratively with biofuel stakeholders. An annual report detailing the number and type of projects funded, funds matched, geographic spread, market expansion, community demographics, program costs, and grants awarded to minority- or female-owned businesses must be submitted to the legislative agriculture committees.