Minnesota E15 standard introduced in the Senate

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Minnesota E15 standard introduced in the Senate

Legislation that would raise Minnesota’s ethanol standard from 10 to 15 percent has been introduced in the Senate.

Minnesota Corn Growers president Tim Waibel, who farms near Courtland, tells Brownfield increasing the mandate five percent would be the equivalent of taking more than 70,000 vehicles off the road.

“That’s a big number, and carbon is a big buzzword at the capitol. And this is all about lowering carbon emissions.”

A hearing on the bill was held Wednesday by the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Finance and Policy Committee.

Waibel says concerns from smaller fuel retailers are addressed.

“There are some exceptions because we realize there are some individual stations that might be in really outlying areas where they don’t pump all that many gallons, so there’s the exception of if your station pumps under 300,000 gallons, that will be exempt.”

There is national support for Minnesota’s E15 standard.

American Coalition for Ethanol senior VP Ron Lamberty testified during Wednesday’s hearing, sharing insights on E15 equipment compatibility with existing infrastructure.

POET CEO Jeff Broin applauded Minnesota leaders for taking bipartisan action.  He says E15 would boost farm incomes across the state, growing a dependable market for grain and supporting Minnesota’s green economy.

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