US Representative Tom Emmer voices support for Minnesota ethanol industry

Member of the US House of Representatives for Minnesota Tom Emmer has voiced his support for the state’s ethanol industry after a meeting with local biofuel producers.

Emmer recently met up with the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MBFA) to learn more about Minnesota's ethanol industry and show his support for clean homegrown renewable biofuels.

"Minnesota and America's heartland are prime locations for several emerging technologies that provide renewable energy, like ethanol, and reduce our foreign dependence on oil,” Emmer said

"Congress needs to remove bureaucratic barriers to competition and give consumers the freedom to choose what's best for them. What's good for Minnesota is good for the country.”

During the meeting, Emmer was briefed on the latest technologies being adopted by Minnesota's ethanol producers and some of the challenges they face both on a local and national level, along with an introduction to the importance of the ethanol industry to Minnesota's economy.

"Thanks to the Renewable Fuel Standard, the ethanol industry contributed $2 billion (€1.7bn) to Minnesota's economy last year and supported over 18,000 jobs in the state," said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the MBFA. 

Minnesota’s ethanol industry – the fourth largest in the US – generated $7.37 billion gross sales for Minnesota businesses in 2015, according to ABF Economics.

The MBFA is a non-profit organisation that represents and promotes the renewable fuels industry in Minnesota.