I am deeply concerned for the thousands of Minnesota families who are feeling the financial strain of filling up at the pump each day. As the demand for oil increases throughout the world, it becomes increasingly clear that our dependence on foreign oil is a threat to our national and economic security. Despite these challenges that lie ahead, there is good news. Minnesota is on the forefront of the production and development of renewable fuels. In fact, nearly all of Minnesota’s 2.6 billion gallons of gasoline are blended with 10 percent ethanol – producing over 325 million gallons of ethanol per year.
While we are beginning to make headway on the development of renewable fuels, much of this country still lacks the necessary infrastructure needed to make renewables economically viable. Minnesota is a shining example of how E-85 fuel (fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol) can be integrated into the fuel distribution system. As it stands, nearly half of the E-85 pumps in America are in Minnesota, but E-85 cannot become a reality without putting in place automobiles and pumping stations dedicated to the use of the renewable fuel.
I am committed to improving America’s E-85 infrastructure. To bring our renewable fuel infrastructure up to speed, I have introduced the Vehicle and Fuel Choices for American Security Act (VFCACA), which will increase the ethanol infrastructure tax credit to 50 percent, authorize loan guarantees through the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist farmer-owned ethanol producers develop and build infrastructure for E-85, and fund new alternative fueling infrastructure grant program at the Department of Energy (DOE).
It is simply unacceptable for our nation’s E-85 infrastructure to remain grossly inadequate. We need a new commitment to E-85, as it will provide an economic engine for the state, and bring this country one step closer to energy independence.
For additional information on E-85 please visit one of the following websites:
List of Minnesota E-85 pumps in your City or County: