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SF2786 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Biofuels education and promotion program establishment to promote biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel establishment provision, biofuels education and promotion advisory council establishment provision, certain compatibility standards for underground gasoline storage tanks requirement provision, and appropriation

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to promote and educate the public about the use of biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel in Minnesota, as well as establish an advisory council to help oversee these efforts.

Main Provisions

  • Biofuels Education and Promotion Program: The bill establishes a program managed by a commissioner to educate and promote the benefits of biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel.
  • Grants: The commissioner can award grants for projects that support the program's goals as determined by the advisory council.
  • Annual Reporting: The commissioner is required to provide an annual report to certain legislative committees detailing the grants awarded, funds leveraged, technical assistance provided, market expansions, and overall program costs.

Advisory Council on Biofuels Education and Promotion

  • Duties: The council will advise on the biofuels education program’s management, including setting goals, guidelines for grants, application processes, and monitoring project outcomes.
  • Membership: Up to 15 members will be appointed by the commissioner. These members should have knowledge and expertise in biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel education and promotion.
  • Organization: The council will select a chair to organize meetings, which can be convened by either the chair or the commissioner.
  • Terms and Expiration: Members of this council will not be compensated, and the council will not expire.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Compatibility Standards for Storage Tanks: New underground gasoline storage tanks installed after December 31, 2026, must comply with standards for gasoline containing up to 25% ethanol. Should new midlevel blend certifications for ethanol or biodiesel be developed, the agency may revise these standards accordingly.

  • Funding: The bill includes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support the biofuels education and promotion program through agricultural growth and innovation efforts.

Relevant Terms

biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, education, promotion, grants, advisory council, underground storage tanks, ethanol compatibility, appropriations, Minnesota, agriculture policy.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toAgriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new definition for sustainable aviation fuel."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the definitions section of Minnesota Statutes 41A.15, adding definitions related to biofuels and setting a scope for sections 41A.15 to 41A.18 and 41A.196.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "41A.15"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New responsibilities for a council to advise on biofuels education."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill establishes an Advisory Council on Biofuels Education and Promotion under section 41A.196.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "41A.196"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Minimum compatibility standard for new gasoline storage equipment."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends section 116.49 by adding a subdivision requiring compatibility standards for new underground storage tanks.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "116.49"
  }
]

Sponsors