As we near the 2022 Midterm elections, MN Bio-Fuels takes a look at where the candidates running for both state and federal seats stand on the issues concerning Minnesota's ethanol industry. To kick off this series, we begin at District 16A where Dean Urdhal faces Robert Wright and District 17B where Bobbie Harder is running unopposed. Wright didn't respond to our queries. Here are the responses from Urdhal and Harder.
Dean Urdhal (R) District 16A
Q. Do you support Minnesota’s Petroleum Replacement Law (Minn. Stat. 239.7911), which calls for the consumption of at least 30 percent biofuels in transportation fuel by 2025?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you support a role for ethanol in clean fuel standard legislation?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you support accelerating the permitting process for installation of equipment to improve ethanol production and reduce emissions?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you support making higher ethanol blends, such as E15, available across Minnesota by funding compatible infrastructure at retail stations?
A. Yes.
If yes, would you prefer the funding source to come from the General Fund or a fee placed on each gallon of liquid fuel sold in Minnesota similar to the Petrofund program?
A. General Fund.
Bobbie Harder (R) District 17B
Q. Do you support Minnesota’s Petroleum Replacement Law (Minn. Stat. 239.7911), which calls for the consumption of at least 30 percent biofuels in transportation fuel by 2025?
A. Appears this statute needs a revision.
Q. Do you support a role for ethanol in clean fuel standard legislation?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you support accelerating the permitting process for installation of equipment to improve ethanol production and reduce emissions?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you support making higher ethanol blends, such as E15, available across Minnesota by funding compatible infrastructure at retail stations?
A. Yes.
If yes, would you prefer the funding source to come from the General Fund or a fee placed on each gallon of liquid fuel sold in Minnesota similar to the Petrofund program?
A. Yes on the higher blends. Need more information on funding.