���ϳԹ���

The state’s standard for the biodiesel blend will double to 20% at gas pumps next May, a decision that displeased trucking industry advocates.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it wanted to hear what the public thought of its 2018 proposed renewable fuel standard volume minimums, but many of those who came here to comment seemed unhappy with the agency’s plans.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture officials have rejected a request by the state’s trucking association to delay a plan to increase the mix of biofuel to 20% of all diesel sold in the state beginning May 1.

Joining a growing list of cities in California, San Diego announced Oct. 27 that its municipal vehicle fleet will become the largest in the nation to embrace renewable diesel — from street sweepers to refuse packers to fire trucks.

The Environmental Protection Agency wants U.S. fuel distributors to move 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2018 as part of the continuing increase in the nation’s renewable fuel standard, the agency said.

Spot biodiesel prices have jumped at least 10% because of moves in Washington since Nov. 30, when the Obama administration increased consumption targets for the fuel. About three weeks later, Congress reinstated a $1-a-gallon tax credit for blending it.

Volvo Trucks North America said it has approved the use of renewable diesel fuel, which can be made from biomass, in its engines.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency punted on setting quotas for the use of renewable fuels in 2014 and pledged to lay out next year targets for 2014-2016.

A survey by the National Biodiesel Board found that nearly 80% of biodiesel producers have scaled back production this year, and more than half have idled production, due in part to what it called a “weak” renewable fuel standard proposal in Washington.