Prairie Public Broadcasting

Debating Bio-Diesel Mandates JEFFERSON CITY, MO (KBIA) - A Missouri House Committee conducted a hearing Tuesday on a bill that would mandate the use of bio-diesel fuel, or B5, by June of 2010.

The bill is similar to the ethanol mandate that took effect in January. It would require the sale of B5 whenever the price is the same or less than standard diesel fuel. Dale Ludwig, C.E.O. of the Missouri Soybean Association, testified in favor of the proposed mandate for B5. He says it could help stabilize fuel prices:

"We will help meet that demand so maybe we can keep prices the same, (they) might go down a little bit...likely, they just won't go up or go up as much."

Opponents say, though, that a B5 mandate could contribute to higher prices for livestock feed. A committee vote on the bill is scheduled next week.
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