REDWOOD FALLS, MN – Three biodiesel plants are scheduled to open this summer in Minnesota due to a new state fuel mandate that will require almost all diesel fuel sold in the state to contain at least 2 percent biodiesel, according to Minnesota Public Radio.

In Redwood Falls, animal fat is being converted into fuel by a plant owned by the Farmers Union Marketing and Processing Association. Chuck Neese, company research director, states that most of the fats will be used to make fuel and that the company is already using biodiesel in its own diesel engines.

"These [biodiesel fuels] are an imitator of a diesel fuel," said Neese. "And in fact, from the American Society of Testing Methods, it meets the requirements of a diesel fuel for combustion engines." Minnesota is the first state in the U.S. to require the use of biodiesel fuel.