This legislation, H.F. No., introduced by Anderson, P., H. Frederick, Nelson, and Harder, focuses on funding biofuel infrastructure improvements in Minnesota. The main elements of the bill are:

1. Appropriations for Biofuel Financial Assistance:

   • For fiscal years 2026 and 2027, funds are allocated from the general fund to the Commissioner of Agriculture. These funds are designated for grants aiding retail petroleum dispensers and related equipment to dispense biofuels.
   • The grants will help meet the state's biofuel replacement goals as per Minnesota Statutes section 239.7911.

2. Eligibility:

   • Retail petroleum dispensers selling gas for spark ignition engine vehicles of model year 2000 and later are eligible if they operate no more than ten dispensing sites, all located in Minnesota.
   • Grant money can be used to replace or upgrade equipment not certified for E25 biofuel dispensing.

3. Financial Limits of Grants:

   • A grant can cover up to 65% of the cost for necessary technology.
   • Each station can receive a maximum of $200,000.

4. Implementation and Reporting:

   • The Commissioner of Agriculture must collaborate with biofuel stakeholders and possibly other financial institutions to implement this grant program.
   • An annual report on the biofuels infrastructure financial assistance program is required by January 15th each year. This report must be submitted to legislative agriculture policy and finance leaders and should include:
     • The number and types of financed projects,
     • The financial leverage or match per project,
     • Geographic distribution of projects,
     • Market expansions due to upgraded infrastructure,
     • Demographics of the served areas,
     • Costs of the program,
     • Number of grants awarded to minority-owned or female-owned businesses.

This initiative aims to enhance biofuel use across the state, supporting Minnesota's environmental goals and aiding small business operators in the retail petroleum sector.