Better Fuel Initiative On Hold

It was last January at the MN Ag Expo, the Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Corn Grower Association in Mankato that the Minnesota Corn Growers launched the Better Fuel Initiative. The goal was to increase the state's biofuel standard from 10 to 15 percent ethanol. Consumers would win with cleaner air and a more vibrant local economy and tax base. Plus farmers would win with more demand for corn used to make ethanol.

Early in the session bills were introduced in the Minnesota House, Senate and I believe Governor Walz also supported moving to 15 percent biofuel or ethanol. The bills successfully passed many committees in the Minnesota Senate and House. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit around the end of March priorities at the Minnesota Capitol shifted dramatically. The Minnesota Better Fuel initiative was put on hold for this Minnesota Legislative Session.

However, the progress made at this session will not be lost. Brian Thalmann President of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association said the progress has been positive for corn farmers and biofuel advocates. They will continue to address opposition from stakeholders and prepare "factual responses" for next year's Legislative Session.