For our final installment on candidates running for Minnesota's congressional districts and their views on biofuels, we head to Minnesota's 8th Congressional District where Rep. Pete Stauber is up against Quinn Nystrom. Here are their responses to our queries.

Pete Stauber

Q. What is your position concerning the current state of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)? Should the EPA follow the 10th Circuit Federal Court's decision regarding Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) waivers and reject current, future and gap year SRE applications from the oil industry?

A. It is imperative that the EPA follow the law regarding the RFS. One of the first decisions I made when I started my term was to join the Biofuels Caucus to add my voice to those in Congress advocating for our farmers and producers. 

Q. Given the large number of spark ignition-powered vehicles on the road and the need to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, what is your position concerning a possible Low Carbon High Octane Fuel Standard to replace more petroleum with greater amounts of renewable ethanol?

A. As a member of the House Transportation and Infra-structure Committee, I am in a key position to discuss updating our transportation infrastructure. Therefore, I am open to discussing any options to update our transportation fuel supply. For example, last year I sent a letter to Administrator Wheeler requesting gas stations are allowed to sell E15 year round. I was happy to see the Administrator take action following the letter.

Q. The Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected Minnesota's ethanol industry. At one point, plants were shutdown while others had to significantly reduce production. While production has begun to approach pre-pandemic levels, Minnesota’s ethanol producers are still facing severe financial distress. Would you support financial aid to Minnesota’s ethanol producers?

A. Earlier this year, I voted in support of the CARES Act, which provided significant funding to states and localities for response to this pandemic. It is important that our plants get up and running once again to ensure a reliable supply of renewable fuels for the economy. Therefore, I applaud efforts like those by Gov Kim Reynolds in Iowa, who allocated CARES Act money to biofuels producers to ensure we have the supply we need.

Q. Do you support making higher ethanol blends, such as E15, available across Minnesota and the United States through infrastructure funding?

A. I am open to discussion on any and all options to ensure producers are able to market their high-quality product. Sitting on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also provides an opportunity for me to elevate the discussion of making higher ethanol blends available across MN and the United States, like I did when sending a letter supporting year-round sales earlier this year. For example, I recently sent a letter to Ambassador Lighthizer requesting further biofuels exports, so we can remain competitive not only across MN but on a global scale.

Quinn Nystrom

Q. What is your position concerning the current state of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)? Should the EPA follow the 10th Circuit Federal Court's decision regarding Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) waivers and reject current, future and gap year SRE applications from the oil industry?

A. Yes, we should reject small refinery exemption waivers. The waivers have been given out far too liberally and have dramatically harmed our ethanol industry. 

Q. Given the large number of spark ignition-powered vehicles on the road and the need to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, what is your position concerning a possible Low Carbon High Octane Fuel Standard to replace more petroleum with greater amounts of renewable ethanol?

A. Yes. I support increasing the amount of ethanol or other low carbon fuels required to be in our gasoline. The Minnesota State Legislature is attempting to increase that limit now and I am supportive of that effort. I do believe a low carbon high octane fuel standard would be beneficial for our country. 

Q. The Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected Minnesota's ethanol industry. At one point, plants were shutdown while others had to significantly reduce production. While production has begun to approach pre-pandemic levels, Minnesota’s ethanol producers are still facing severe financial distress. Would you support financial aid to Minnesota’s ethanol producers?

A. Yes.

Q. Do you support making higher ethanol blends, such as E15, available across Minnesota and the United States through infrastructure funding?

A. Yes.