Alternative fuels
For purposes of this Web page, alternative fuels include ethanol (E85), biodiesel, and biomass.
Definitions provided here are for the purposes of this Web site only. Other fuels may be defined as alternative fuels but are not included here. For example, other alternative fuels may include conventional biofuels, advanced biofuels, cellulosic biofuels, or biomass-based diesel (Minn. Stat. 2006, sec, 239.77, as amended by Laws 2007, chap. 62, sec. 3 and 4 
). The federal Renewable Fuel Stand (RFS) has established the following definitions for the alternative fuels listed here.
- Conventional biofuels - Biofuel that is derived from corn starch. Conventional ethanol facilities that start construction after date of enactment (January 1, 2009) must achieve 20 percent greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction compared to baseline lifecycle GHG emissions.
- Advanced biofuels - Renewable fuel other than corn-based ethanol that has a lifecycle GHG emission that are at least 50 percent less than baseline lifecycle GHG emissions. Types of fuel eligible include: ethanol derived from cellulose, sugar, waste material – crop, vegetation, animal and food.
- Cellulosic biofuels - Renewable fuel derived from cellulose, hemicellulose or lignin that has lifecycle GHG emissions that are at least 60 percent less than baseline GHG emissions. Renewable biomass includes: planted crops and residue, planted trees and residue and algae.
- Biomass-based diesel - Renewable fuel that is biodiesel and that has lifecycle GHG emissions that are at least 50 percent less than baseline lifecycle GHG emissions. Renewable fuel derived from co-processing biomass with petroleum feedstock shall be advanced biofuel if lifecycle GHG emissions are at least 50 percent less than baseline lifecycle GHG emissions.
Statute definition of alternative fuels
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a biodegradable, monalkyl ester combustible liquid fuel derived from agricultural plant oils like soybean oil or animal fats. It involves a process that removes glycerin from oil and is used in diesel engines.
- Biodiesel
- Statute definition of biodiesel
Biomass
Biomass is any organic material made from plants or animals, and includes such materials as agricultural and forestry residues, municipal solid wastes, industrial wastes, and crops grown solely for energy purposes. Biomass can be converted to other usable forms of energy through processes such as direct combustion or gasification.
Ethanol
Ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol) is a clear, colorless liquid made by fermenting and distilling material, usually some sort of plant, most commonly corn. One bushel of corn produces between two and three gallons of ethanol. It is used as a fuel in vehicles that have been classified as flexible fuel vehicles (can use gasoline or ethanol to power the vehicle).
