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Claremont, Dec 13 - Twelve students from Triton High School’s agriculture economics class toured Al-Corn Clean Fuel today to learn more about renewable fuel production.
“It’s always a pleasure to welcome students from Triton High School’s agriculture economics class to our facility. Since 1996, Al-Corn has built a sustainable business that has boosted our rural economy while reducing prices at the pump, harmful greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on foreign fuel,” said Thomas Harwood, CEO at Al-Corn Clean Fuel.
During the tour, the students learned about incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, ethanol storage and shipment and dried distillers grains production and storage.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Al-Corn Clean Fuel is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
The students that toured the plant were from grades 11 to 12.
Today’s tour was the second time students from Triton High School have visited Al-Corn Clean Fuel this year. Another group of 12 students toured the plant in March.
Robert Ickler, agriscience instructor at Triton High School, accompanied his students for both tours this year.
"During the semester, these students learn about commodities markets. From today's tour, they had a chance to learn about the end-users of corn," he said.
Benson, Dec 15 - Students from Minnewaska High School’s agriculture processing class toured Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) yesterday to learn more about ethanol production.
During the tour, the students learned about the various stages of the ethanol production process such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, ethanol storage
The students were also briefed on the role the ethanol industry plays in boosting the economy in rural Minnesota. A total of 25 students participated in the plant tour.
“We were happy to welcome students from Minnewaska’s Ag Processing class. These tours provide us with an opportunity to showcase the process of converting local corn into a high-octane fuel which lowers greenhouse gas emissions, boosts rural economies, reduces prices at the pump and promotes energy independence,” said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). CVEC is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
The students that toured CVEC yesterday were from grades nine to 12. Tiffany Kobbermann, agriculture teacher at Minnewaska High School, accompanied here students for the tour.
“Many of our students’ families haul corn into ethanol plants, so this is a good way for them to understand the process. This tour allows students to connect what we have learned into real life,” she said.
Burnsville, Feb 1 - In order for Minnesota to achieve its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals, biofuels must be included in a fuel- and technology-neutral Clean Transportation Standard (CTS).
“The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association is committed to working with the legislature to ensure any CTS program is fuel- and technology-neutral so that we can meet GHG reduction targets while offering market opportunities to our state’s robust renewable fuel industry,” said Brian Werner, Executive Director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels).
A CTS work group established by the Minnesota legislature last year met over the last 6 months and submitted a final report to the state legislature today with recommendations on how to reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of all fuels used for transportation in Minnesota. The work group has 40 members, including MN Bio-Fuels Executive Director Brian Werner.
“The final report makes it clear that any CTS program must take into consideration Minnesota's unique characteristics, such as our abundant farmland, resilient farmers, and thriving bioeconomy. That means in order to meet the GHG reduction targets the CTS program must tap into the strength and ingenuity of our state’s agriculture and bioprocessing sectors while supporting communities in rural Minnesota,” Werner said.
In 2023, the Minnesota legislature established the work group and set initial targets for CI fuel reduction of at least 25 percent by 2030, 75 percent by 2040, and 100 percent by 2050.
“When it comes to GHG reductions from biofuel, we’re only scratching the surface. With the increased adoption of low-carbon farming practices, incorporation of renewable electricity and energy efficiency at biofuel production facilities, and the use of carbon capture and utilization technologies, the renewable fuels industry in Minnesota is rapidly on a path to net-zero by 2050,” Werner said.
Burnsville, Feb 6 - AgCountry Farm Credit Services has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) as a vendor member.
“To reach their goal of producing net-zero ethanol by 2050, MN Bio-Fuels members need to continue investing in capital intensive technologies and production efficiencies that will require access to competitive credit and financial services. That is why we are pleased to announce AgCountry as our newest vendor member. They’ve been critical partners to Minnesota’s ethanol industry and we sincerely appreciate their commitment to continue that partnership into the future,” said Brian Werner, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
A member-owned cooperative, AgCountry provides credit and financial services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural residents.
It has 45 office locations serving over 25,000 farm families throughout portions of Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
AgCountry’s services include loans, leases, crop insurance, succession and retirement planning along with tax and record services. The co-op features a patronage dividend program that has paid out over $543 million to its members since 2014.
It has also provided financing solutions to the biofuels industry over the last two decades.
“AgCountry is pleased to become a vendor member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association in support of the biofuels industry and the thousands of producers that deliver their crop production as feedstock to fuel a greener America,” said Randy Aberle, executive vice president of agribusiness and capital markets at AgCountry.
Learn more about AgCountry here.
Burnsville, Feb 15 - A new study by the University of Minnesota Extension shows the ethanol industry contributed $2.5 billion to Minnesota’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023.
It said the industry produced 1.35 billion gallons of ethanol in 2023, which in turn resulted in $6.6 billion of economic activity and supported 20,914 jobs.
The industry also generated $1.3 billion in income for Minnesota residents and paid $182.9 million in state and local taxes last year.
“In 2023, Minnesota’s ethanol industry generated $6.6 billion of economic activity, supported over 20,000 jobs that provided $1.3 billion of income to Minnesotans, and contributed $2.5 billion to the state’s GDP. This 2023 economic report puts real data behind what rural communities, farmers, and workers across our state already know: the ethanol industry is a critical piece of our diverse economy. As state and federal legislators consider policy approaches to ease prices at the pump, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create good-paying jobs, we urge them to turn to the ethanol industry and its proven track record in strengthening Minnesota’s economy and environment,” said Brian Werner, executive director at the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels).
In 2023, the industry also produced 3.99 million tons of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) - a high-protein animal feed - and 426 million pounds of corn oil, which is used to produce biodiesel and renewable diesel.
The study said the 3.99 million tons of DDGS produced by Minnesota’s ethanol industry was sufficient to supply nearly 2 million cows, 2.4 million pigs and 59.8 million turkeys. Minnesota farms have 2.2 million cattle, 9.1 million pigs and 39 million head of turkeys.
As for corn oil, the 426 million pounds produced in 2023 was sufficient to produce 55.3 million gallons of biodiesel - nearly two thirds of Minnesota’s 85.5 million gallon biodiesel production capacity.
The study by the University of Minnesota extension was sponsored by MN Bio-Fuels.
Burnsville, Feb 22 - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today approved a petition by eight midwestern governors - including Minnesota’s Gov. Tim Walz - providing for year-round E15. The rule, however, will not go into effect until April 28, 2025.
“After two years of waiting, the EPA has finally approved the permanent year-round sale of E15 in eight Midwestern states - including Minnesota. We sincerely appreciate Gov. Walz’s efforts to ensure that Minnesota was included in the petition and thank members of our congressional delegation, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Angie Craig, that pushed the EPA to take this action. That work has secured long-term access to a more environmentally-friendly, cheaper fuel for Minnesotans and will strengthen the economy of the state.
“While this is welcomed news, the EPA’s delay in finalizing this action means that it won’t go into effect until summer 2025, and Minnesotans won’t have access to the lowest cost fuel at the pump this summer. The EPA must now similarly act on emergency waivers this summer so that sales of E15 - and the resulting cost savings to consumers - aren’t interrupted unnecessarily,” said Brian Werner, executive director at the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
In April of 2022, governors from Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin asked the EPA to remove the 1-PSI reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver for E10, which would eliminate the current disparity between E10 and E15 and place both fuels on equal regulatory footing in the summer months.
Claremont, March 6 - Twenty-two students from Owatonna High School toured Al-Corn Clean Fuel today to learn about ethanol production.
“We were excited to welcome students from Owatonna HS to our facility. These tours give us an opportunity to showcase how we transform local corn crops into clean, renewable energy and co-products, while strengthening our rural economy and reducing carbon emissions, prices at the pump and our reliance on foreign energy.,” said Thomas Harwood, CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel.
The tour covered various aspects of ethanol production such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, ethanol storage, ethanol shipment, dried distillers grains with solubles production and storage.
The students that participated in the tour were from grades 11 & 12 and were from the school’s small engines and power and technology class.
Jamie Gray, agriculture education teacher at Owatonna High School, accompanied his students for the tour.
“The Power and Technology class toured Al-Corn to learn about the production of ethanol, and the impact the plant has made in our area. We also learned about the machines and how they work. The class has been studying building materials and was excited to see the different machines used in the production of ethanol,” he said.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Al-Corn Clean Fuel is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
Burnsville, March 14 - Annual E15 sales in Minnesota reached a new milestone in 2023 with 127.56 million gallons reported sold, according to the latest data by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
This volume represented a 21 percent increase from the previous annual record of 105.5 million gallons in 2022.
“Minnesota has consistently been a national leader in biofuel production, and the latest data from the Department of Commerce shows that we are also leading the way on biofuel consumption. The record setting sales of higher blends like E15 and E85 in 2023 are proof that when consumers go to the pump in Minnesota, they choose the lower-cost, lower-carbon fuel that supports rural communities and Minnesota’s economy,” said Brian Werner, Executive Director at the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels).
The Department of Commerce reports the volume of E15 sold in December 2023 was 11.28 million gallons, 18 percent higher than the volume of E15 sold in December 2022 (9.57 million gallons).
The latest data also shows that monthly E15 sales in Minnesota surpassed 11 million gallons from June to December last year - another new record. The Department of Commerce had previously reported that E15 sales breached the 11-million-gallon barrier only once last year in August.
Data from the year-end report indicates that more than one out of every five retail stations offer higher lends of ethanol, including E15 (468 stations) and E85 (458 stations). According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), E15 prices averaged $3.24 per gallon, representing a 5 percent discount to regular gasoline.
Meanwhile, the Department of Commerce reports E85 sales in Minnesota also hit a new record in 2023 with 16.55 million gallons, 7.6 percent higher than the 15.38 million gallons sold in 2022. The sale of higher blends of ethanol has led to Minnesota’s nation-leading ethanol consumption rate of 12.71 percent in 2022, according to the Energy Information Administration.
“When it comes to expanding the use of ethanol, Minnesota continues to set an excellent example for the rest of the country to follow. Minnesota families understand the economic and environmental benefits of using higher blends like E15 and flex fuels like E85; they know that choosing these lower-cost, lower-carbon fuels supports local farmers and creates good-paying jobs across the state. Our message to other states is simple: follow the North Star State’s lead on renewable fuels,” said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of RFA.
The Department of Commerce estimates that sales of E15 and other mid-blends of ethanol (E50, E30 and E20) and E85 based on the total number of stations offering the aforementioned fuels in Minnesota in 2023 was at 170.15 million gallons and 19.01 million gallons respectively.
MN Bio-Fuels has long been pushing for federal regulatory action to allow the year-round sale of E15 in Minnesota. In February 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved a petition by eight midwestern governors - including Gov. Tim Walz - providing for year-round E15 in 2025. However, without additional action by the EPA, Minnesotans won’t have access to the lowest cost fuel at the pump in summer 2024. In 2023, the EPA issued a national emergency waiver to allow E15 to be sold from June 1 to Sept 15.
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Benson, March 22 - Eighteen students from Ridgewater College in Willmar toured the Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) plant on March 20 to learn more about ethanol production and its co-products.
“It’s always a pleasure to welcome students from Ridgewater College’s Animal Nutrition class. We take a lot of pride in our production process and various co-products. More than ever, it’s also important for us to highlight the vital role our industry plays in strengthening MN’s economy, reducing greenhouse gases, reducing prices at the pump and promoting energy independence,” said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC.
During the tour, the students learned about the various stages of ethanol production. This included incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, ethanol storage, ethanol shipment, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) production and handling.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). CVEC is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
Kari Slinden, agriculture instructor at Ridgewater College, accompanied her students during the tour.
“My students now have a better understanding of how DDGS are made, what livestock species incorporate DDGS in their diets, and what they provide to livestock for nutrients,”
Yesterday’s tour was the fifth time Slinden has brought students from her Animal Nutrition class to tour CVEC over the past six years. She previously brought her class to the plant in March 2023, April 2022, February 2020, March 2019 and April 2018.
Claremont, Apr 2 - Thirty-four students from Triton High School toured Al-Corn Clean Fuel on March 27 to learn more about renewable fuel production.
“We appreciate students from Triton High School’s integrated science classes taking time out of their schedules to learn about ethanol production. It gives us an opportunity to showcase how, for nearly three decades, we have developed a sustainable business that continues to strengthen our rural economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, prices at the pump and our reliance on foreign oil,” said Thomas Harwood, CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel.
During the tour, the students learned about the various stages in ethanol production. This included incoming grain grading and handling, fermentation, grain storage, ethanol storage and shipment and dried distillers grains with solubles production and storage.
The students that participated in the tour were ninth graders from the school’s Integrated Science class.
They were accompanied by Allison Horejsi and Brian Felten, science teachers at Triton High School.
“Our integrated science students have recently been learning about alternative energy. We are fortunate to have the Al-Corn facility in our school district. This field trip provided students with the opportunity to take what they are learning in the classroom and apply it directly to our environment. Real world connections such as this give students a meaningful learning experience. We are fortunate for this field trip opportunity,” she said.
For Felten, the tour provided his students exposure into potential careers in the ethanol industry.
“Making students aware of these opportunities after high school is an important step in assisting them in finding a future career. Not only do we want students to be successful, we also want to encourage them to stay in the area so that our communities remain strong and viable,” he said.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Al-Corn Clean Fuel is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
Picture caption (from left to right): Brian Werner, Executive Director of MN Bio-Fuels, Chuck Ackman, Outreach Director for Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Tom Paitrick, CEO of Heartland Corn Products (HCP), Thomas Harwood, CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel, Jason Enter, HCP board member, Jon Thoreson, HCP board member, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Britt Schwecke, Financial Analysis and Compliance at HCP.
Burnsville, April 1 - Sen. Amy Klobuchar toured Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) Producer Member, Heartland Corn Products (HCP), in Winthrop on March 27 to discuss her efforts in addressing some of the challenges facing Minnesota’s ethanol industry.
Among those efforts include securing an emergency waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow sales of E15 during the summer months this year. In February, the EPA approved a petition to allow eight midwestern states to sell E15 year-round. The rule, however, won’t go into effect until April 28, 2025.
Klobuchar said she will urge the EPA to issue an emergency waiver for this summer while continuing work on the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would provide for the permanent nationwide, year-round sale of E15. E15 is commonly labeled as Unleaded 88 at retail locations.
“It was great to stop by Heartland Corn Products in Winthrop to discuss the importance of sustainable fuels with Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association Executive Director, Brian Werner, and Heartland Corn Products CEO, Tom Paitrick. Investing in sustainable fuels like ethanol helps bolster our economy and energy security. I’ll continue working with Minnesota producers and leaders like Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association to push for expanded adoption of these fuels, such as year-round E15,” she said.
In 2023, annual E15 sales reached a new milestone in Minnesota with 127.56 million gallons sold, representing a 21 percent increase from the previous annual record of 105.5 million gallons recorded in 2022 and double the sales from five years ago (60 million gallons sold in 2018). E15 prices were, on average, 16 cents per gallon less than regular 87 octane fuel in 2023.
Werner said Minnesota’s ethanol blend rate, according to the Energy Information Administration, was the highest in the country at 12.71 percent.
“The growth of E15 sales in Minnesota has been remarkable over the last five years, and we appreciate that Sen. Klobuchar took the time to visit our member plant, Heartland Corn Products, to hear directly from ethanol producers about the importance of ensuring that consumers do not lose access to this lower-cost fuel this summer. We thank her for working to find a permanent, nationwide solution that benefits Minnesota’s environment and economy,” he said.
Other participants in the tour included Britt Schwecke, financial and compliance at HCP, Jon Thoreson, HCP board member, Jason Enter, HCP board member, and Thomas Harwood, CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel and Board Vice-President of MN Bio-Fuels.
Apart from lifting restrictions on the sale of E15, Klobuchar highlighted her recent efforts in urging the Biden Administration to update the GREET model for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit program. The administration had missed its deadline of releasing a modified GREET model by March 1.
The tour participants said an updated GREET model that is science-based would enable Minnesota’s farmers and ethanol producers to contribute to the administration’s SAF goals.
The group also noted Klobuchar’s leadership in introducing bills like the Flex Fuel Fairness Act and Adopt GREET Act to ensure an equal playing field for ethanol.
In 2023, according to a study by the University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota’s ethanol industry contributed $2.5 billion to the state’s gross domestic product last year. This resulted in $6.6 billion in economic activity and supported over 20,000 jobs in Minnesota.
Picture caption (from left to right): Werner, Sen. Klobuchar and Harwood.
Burnsville, April 8 - Fourteen students from Minnesota State University, Mankato toured Guardian Energy in Janesville on April 5 to learn more about ethanol production.
“It was a pleasure to welcome students from Minnesota State University, Mankato today. In addition to highlighting our high yields and efficiencies in the production of ethanol, animal feed and corn oil, we had an opportunity to share with today’s group the many ways in which our industry benefits MN – by lowering greenhouse emissions, bolstering rural economies, lowering pump prices and reducing our reliance on foreign oil,” said Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy.
The students from Minnesota State Mankato’s Environmental Science class. During the tour, the learned about incoming grain grading and handling, fermentation, grain storage, ethanol storage and shipment and dried distillers grains with solubles production and storage.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Guardian Energy is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
Dr Susan Colvin, assistant professor of biological sciences at Minnesota State Mankato, accompanied her students for the tour.
“My students learned about the process of producing ethanol, as well as about the environmental and safety regulations Guardian Energy follows throughout production,” she said.
Burnsville, April 12 - Twenty-one drivers who fueled up with Unleaded 88 at a Holiday station in Plymouth during a two-hour promotion yesterday were rewarded with prizes from the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) and KS95 FM.
“This week, MN Bio-Fuels kicked-off another year of retail events to highlight for consumers the benefits of Unleaded 88 on their wallets, their engines, and their air quality,” said Brian Werner, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
During the event, drivers who fueled up with Unleaded 88 were rewarded with prizes such as $20 in cash, tickets to Minnesota United, tickets to the St Paul Saints, Applebee’s gift cards and KS95 merchandise.
MN Bio-Fuels will be hosting several more Unleaded 88 promotions at stations in the Twin Cities metro area over the coming weeks and months.
“Many of our events scheduled for this summer are currently in jeopardy due to antiquated federal regulations that will force retail stations to stop offering Unleaded 88 on June 1. We urge the Biden administration to provide an emergency waiver for the sale of Unleaded 88 during the 2024 summer driving season because of ongoing global energy supply chain challenges,” Werner said.
This week’s two-hour promotion, which was held from 11 am to 1 pm, was at the Holiday station on County Road 24 in Plymouth.
KS95’s personality, Greg “Hutch” Hutchinson, was with MN Bio-Fuel staff at the station educating drivers on the various benefits of fueling up with Unleaded 88.
In 2023, annual Unleaded 88 sales reached a new milestone in Minnesota with 127.56 million gallons sold, representing a 21 percent increase from the previous annual record of 105.5 million gallons recorded in 2022 and double the sales from five years ago (60 million gallons sold in 2018).
In the first two months of 2024, 20.83 million gallons of Unleaded 88 were sold in Minnesota compared to to 18.31 million gallons over the same period in 2023.
Burnsville, April 15 - Eight students from the University of Minnesota toured Guardian Energy in Janesville on April 9 to learn about renewable energy production.
“We are always excited to host students from the University of Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Technologies and Food Engineering classes. With these tours, we have an opportunity to showcase how we sustainably transform a local, renewable feedstock into clean energy and co-products - strengthening our rural economies, reducing carbon emissions, alleviating prices at the pump, and promoting energy independence,” said Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy.
During the tour, the learned about incoming grain grading and handling, fermentation, grain storage, ethanol storage and shipment and dried distillers grains with solubles production and storage.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Guardian Energy is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
The students that participated in the tour were from two classes at the University of Minnesota - renewable energy and food engineering.
Min Addy, bioproducts and biosystems professor at University of Minnesota, accompanied her students during the tour.
“This tour provided real-world experience for students to see how the biofuel industry works. It also taught students knowledge that they can’t learn in the classroom,” she said.
Heron Lake, April 18 - Twelve students from Worthington High School toured Heron Lake Bioenergy today to learn more about ethanol production.
“We are always happy to offer tours of our plant. In addition to providing an inside view of our production process and highlighting career possibilities, these tours give us an opportunity to speak more with students about the many ways in which our industry benefits Minnesota - by bolstering rural economies, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, lowering consumer prices at the pump and advancing energy independence,” said Brodie McKeown, plant manager at Heron Lake Bioenergy.
The students, all 12 graders, were from Worthington High School’s agri-business class.
During the tour, they learned about incoming grain grading and handling, fermentation, grain storage, ethanol storage and shipment and dried distillers grains with solubles production and storage.
Kathryn Christopher, agriculture teacher at Worthington High School, accompanied her students during the tour.
“Our students gained valuable insight into the ethanol industry. Students in agri-business 12 were able to see the career and educational opportunities that ethanol provides as well as the opportunity it provides our farmers.” she said.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
Burnsville, April 19 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a national emergency waiver to allow sales of Unleaded 88 (also known as E15) from June 1 to Sept 15 this year.
“The emergency waiver announced today by the EPA ensures the sales of Unleaded 88 will not be interrupted this summer. This is welcomed news for Minnesota’s biofuels industry and a victory for our state’s economy and environment. Unleaded 88 reduces air emissions, lowers prices at the pump, and sustains rural jobs and agricultural markets.
“We appreciate the Biden Administration’s swift action, and thank Senators Klobuchar and Smith, Representatives Craig, Finstad, and Fischbach, and Gov. Walz for pushing for this emergency waiver,” said Brian Werner, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels).
In February 2024, the EPA approved the permanent, year-round sale of Unleaded 88 in eight midwestern states including Minnesota. The rule, however, does not go into effect until April 28, 2025.
“While today’s announcement is an important step, we need a legislative solution that will ensure permanent, year-round, nationwide access to Unleaded 88. The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association will continue advocating for the enactment of the bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would solve this longstanding, antiquated regulatory hurdle once and for all,” Werner said.
Minnesota's ethanol consumption rate of 12.71 percent is the highest in the country, and Unleaded 88 is offered at nearly 500 retail locations across the state. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the average savings for Unleaded 88 was $0.16 per gallons in 2023.
In 2023, annual Unleaded 88 sales in Minnesota reached a new milestone with 127.56 million gallons sold, a 21 percent increase from the previous annual record of 105.5 million gallons in 2022.
Moreover, the volume sold in 2023 was double the sales from five years ago (60 million gallons sold in 2018).
In the first two months of 2024, 20.83 million gallons of Unleaded 88 was sold in Minnesota compared to 18.31 million gallons over the same period in 2023.
The sale of Unleaded 88 has historically been restricted during the summer driving season because of concerns about evaporative emissions in higher temperatures. The U.S. Congress provided a permanent waiver from volatility standards for E10 (a gasoline blend with 10 percent ethanol) in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, before Unleaded 88 existed as a fuel. Research has shown that the evaporative emissions associated with Unleaded 88 (E15) are equal to or less than E10.
The EPA has granted emergency waivers allowing summertime sale of E15 in the past three years - 2022, 2023 and now 2024.
In 2011, the EPA approved the use of Unleaded 88 in all vehicles model year 2001 and newer.
For more facts and information about Unleaded 88 and evaporative emissions, visit the Minnesota Corn Growers Association’s backgrounder here.