Governor Deval Patrick signed the state biofuels bill that will require a B2 biodiesel blend commencing in 2012. The bill exempts cellulosic ethanol from $0.23 per gallon state excise tax, as well, based on the percentage of ethanol used.

One of the most promising parts of the legislation is the increase to a B5 blend in just two years.

Qualifying fuels must achieve at least a 50 percent reduction of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) over petroleum. All fuels will also be required to undergo a full lifecycle analysis, analyzing the “significant indirect emissions” and land use changes.

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