10/26/2009
As of Nov. 1, Manitoba is mandated to the blending of 2 percent biodiesel in its overall sales of on- and off-road diesel fuel. The 2-percent blend percentage is based on an average. Supplies have the flexibility to blend other percentages of biodiesel to meet the 2-percent target. For example, it is expected that 5-percent biodiesel blends will be used on a seasonal basis during the summer. At a 2-percent average, it is expected that Manitoba will use at least 5.3 million gallons of biodiesel per year.
The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) highly praised the decision by the Government of Manitoba. "This is a good day for homegrown biofuels in Manitoba and Canada," said CRFA President Goirdon Quaiattini. "With [this] decision, Manitoba will become the first province in Canada to realize the many benefits of blending biodiesel in its fuel supply. Biodiesel is good for the environment, good for farmers and good for the economy."
Reports indicate that Manitoba's 2-percent biodiesel mandate will be equal to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 56,000 tonnes per year—or equal to taking 11,000 cars off the road.
Other Canadian provinces will be following in Manitoba's footsteps, including British Columbia, which has a biodiesel mandate of 5 percent as of Jan. 1, 2010, and Alberta, which has a 2-percent biodiesel mandate by July 1, 2010.