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Biodiesel law takes effect

After Premier Greg Selinger (right) announced that Manitoba will become the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement a biodiesel mandate at a news conference Monday morning, he got a tour led by Royce Rostecki president of Speedway International Manitoba's only licensed biodiesel producer.

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After Premier Greg Selinger (right) announced that Manitoba will become the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement a biodiesel mandate at a news conference Monday morning, he got a tour led by Royce Rostecki president of Speedway International Manitoba's only licensed biodiesel producer. (WAYNE.GLOWACKI@FREEPRESS.MB.CA)

WINNIPEG - A provincial mandate that requires that an average of two per cent of all diesel fuel sold in Manitoba be biodiesel is now in effect.

Premier Greg Selinger said today the Nov. 1 requirement puts Manitoba ahead of other jurisdictions is using more clean-burning fuel.

Manitoba is the first province to have such a mandate.
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be produced from a variety of sources, including vegetable oils made from canola, soybeans and sunflowers.

Selinger said using more biodiesel is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the province by 56,000 tonnes a year or the equivalent of taking 11,000 cars off the road.

The NDP promised in the 2007 provincial election campaign to implement a five per cent biodiesel mandate by 2010.

However, the province is taking a gradual approach to ensure a more easier transition for the industry.

British Columbia is expected to introduce its own mandate effective Jan. 1. The Harper government has announced it plans to implement a national mandate of at least two per cent by 2012.

The province will support the industry in the change by offering biodiesel producers a 14-cent-a-litre subsidy. The subsidy, which is to end in five years, will replace the government’s current fuel tax exemption on biodiesel.

Mandating the use of biodiesel should not drive up fuel costs for farmers, truckers and others who burn diesel in Manitoba, since the cost of blending is low.

The biodiesel industry is expected to create a new market for Canadian farmers with oilseeds that fail to meet food-grade standards.

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