The worst may be over for the ethanol industry as production in Minnesota and other parts of the country begin to approach pre-pandemic numbers. But it would be a mistake for anyone to believe the industry is back on a sound footing.

When traffic volumes plunged in April and May, ethanol production throughout the country fell to unforeseen levels with many plants idling production while others reduced output by 50 percent. 

That is why it is imperative for the Senate to include the financial aid package for the ethanol industry that was introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the next COVID-19 relief bill. 

While this aid package is much needed for the short-term to stabilize the industry in this turbulent time, there are several measures that can be adopted at the state level to rebuild and regrow the ethanol industry for the medium and long-term. 

Moreover, these measures would grow the economy, retain jobs in the ethanol industry and significantly cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector.

One way is to boost the use of E15. State vehicle fleets should be able to have access to, and use, E15 and E85. As more fleets use E15 and E85, these renewable fuels will gain even greater acceptance and become the new standards.

The second measure is focused on the use mid-level blends in non-flex fuel vehicles. The Walz Administration could set up a task force to identify the next steps to obtain data required by the EPA to certify a mid-level blend fuel for use in non-flex fuel vehicles and obtain certification. 

Biofuel infrastructure should also be a high priority to give Minnesotans greater access to renewable fuels. 

This can be done through creative funding options to help fuel retailers transition to E15 and higher blends. With 370 fuel retailers in the state already offering E15, we should focus on bringing another 290 retailers online.   Read More
NEWS & BLOGS IN JUNE
Governors Ask EPA To Reject Retroactive Refinery Exemptions South Dakota's Gov. Kristi Noem and Minnesota's Gov. Tim Walz sent a  letter   to EPA's Andrew Wheeler asking that he reject 52 applications for retroactive SREs from the RFS for past compliance years. Read More

Klobuchar, Ernst, Duckworth, Grassley Urge EPA To Reject Retroactive SREs The senators warn that granting these petitions would worsen the unprecedented economic challenges facing the ethanol industry. Read More

Biofuels, Bionenergy To Benefit From Growing Climate Solutions Act The legislation aims to break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate-smart practices. Read More

Ethanol Production Hits 12-Week High Production, however, remains tempered due to COVID-19 disruptions, coming in 22.2% below the same week in 2019. Read More

EPA Yet To Decide On Retroactive SREs Sen. Chuck Grassley said the retroactive petitions should be immediately dismissed. Read More

E10 Flows Into Mexico Following Educational Effort Pre-blended E10 arrived in Guadalajara in May 2020 following a collaboration between the US Grains Council and the Mexican Association Of Service Station Providers . Read More
DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences Announces New Spezyme HN Alpha-Amylase Blend The SPEZYME® line is known for offering numerous advantages for ethanol producers, including robust liquefaction and significant viscosity reduction across a variety of temperatures and pH levels. Read More

44 Members of Congress Urge Trump To Reject RFS waivers The members, including Rep. Colin Peterson and Rep. Angie Craig, are urging Trump to reject the requests from several oil-state governors. Read More

MN Ethanol Production Ramping Up Again As demand for fuel has increased in May and June, ethanol production in Minnesota has begun increasing.  Read More

3.8 Million Gallons of E15 Sold In MN In April It was the lowest monthly volume since September 2018, due to the state's stay-at-home order to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More