View from the Cab: A biodiesel win
- Kent Casson
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Effective this month, biodiesel blend requirements are increasing from B14 to B17 which marks another step toward advancing cleaner fuel options.
A bipartisan bill that passed in 2022 to promote the use of higher biodiesel blends is making a significant impact again here in 2025.
Farmer and Illinois Soybean Association Chairman Ron Kindred is glad to see efforts continue which support the state’s farmers.
“Increasing biodiesel blend rates is a win for farmers, consumers and the environment,” stated Kindred. “Every step forward strengthens our energy security, drives demand for homegrown feedstocks and supports rural economies.”
Key leaders behind the B20 bill include the primary sponsors – Rep. Eva Dina Delgado of Chicago and Sen. Patrick Joyce of Kankakee. They are co-chairs of the Illinois Sustainable Fuels Caucus. Illinois Soybean Association is expressing appreciation for support of the bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Charlie Meier and Gov. JB Pritzker for signing the bill into law.
This B20 bill raises the bar on biodiesel use by increasing the minimum biodiesel blend level eligible for tax exemption. Starting now, the eligible fuel mixture will jump from the current B14 to B17. That means 17 percent of every gallon of biodiesel sold in Illinois between April 1 and Nov. 30 will be derived largely from domestically produced renewable vegetable oil with soybeans being the top contributor.
Illinois Soybean Association reports the impact of increased biodiesel adoption in the state has already been significant. Following the first phase of implementation, 97 percent of diesel gallons across the state contained at least 11 percent biodiesel, with half of all gallons exceeding 14 percent.
The minimum biodiesel blend levels eligible for a tax exemption jump to 20 percent in 2026. Biodiesel is a cleaner burning alternative to traditional diesel, improving air quality and mitigating the impact of transportation-related greenhouse gases.
More on B20 use in Illinois can be found online at https://www.ilsoy.org/b20-club/. B20 Club is a partnership between ISA and the American Lung Association which recognizes Illinois-based organizations that fuel their fleets with biodiesel blends of 20 percent or more.
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