Minneapolis, Sept 27 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) has appointed Brian Werner as its new executive director.

“We are excited Brian has joined our team. With his leadership, we will continue to advance renewable ethanol and renewable energy,” said Brian Kletscher, president of MN Bio-Fuels’ board of directors. 

Prior to joining MN Bio-Fuels, Werner was the deputy legislative director / senior legislative assistant for renewable energy and agriculture for Sen. Amy Klobuchar. 

During that time, he supported Klobuchar’s work to protect mandatory funding for Farm Bill energy title programs, maintain stability in the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard, provide economic relief for biofuel producers negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and secure federal investment in biofuel infrastructure.

“After a decade and a half in our nation’s capital working on agriculture and biofuel policy, I am honored and beyond excited to be coming home to lead MN Bio-Fuels. It is clear that farm-based, homegrown biofuels are a key solution to many of the issues we face today - reducing carbon emissions, strengthening national security, promoting rural economic development, and lowering energy costs for consumers,” Werner said. 

A native of Marshall, MN, he has previously worked for former Minnesota congressman, Collin Peterson, and former US Senator, Tim Johnson, of South Dakota. 

“MN Bio-Fuels is doing critical work to transform our energy sector and strengthen our economy. I look forward to continuing to advance this important mission with our many state and federal partners,” Werner said.