The Missouri Senate has voted to require bio-diesel fuel be sold at retail stations throughout the state.

The act is similar to a bill passed in 2006 requiring a 10 percent ethanol blend of gasoline be sold.

Rural lawmakers argued on both sides of the issue.

Supporters say requiring ethanol-based fuel helps farmers and reduces dependency on foreign oil.

But opponents say the 2006 ethanol requirement has driven up the cost of corn feed for hogs and cattle, hurting farmers.

Senator Chuck Purgason (R-Caulfield) opposed the bill, saying it will only further hurt livestock farmers.

"I don't care anymore, vote it through. I'm going to vote no and i'm going to be right in three or four years from now when we come back and we change all this stuff. And realize that we did not do what we were supposed to be doing and did not follow our principles," said Caulfield.

One legislator opposed to the bill says the new requirement will also cause food prices to rise.