Q. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a federal law which has implications for Minnesota. Do you support or oppose the RFS? What is the basis for your support or opposition to the RFS?
A. Working to build a renewable energy economy is one of my most important commitments and biofuels will play a part in a renewable economy. In researching and reading the RFS, there are several options for obtaining waivers in areas of the standard that might adversely affect existing biofuels producers, and I base my overall support for RFS on what I see as flexibility through waivers. I do understand that waiver processes can be cumbersome and over burdensome and I would advocate and work for clear, efficient waiver processes.
Q. What advantages, or disadvantages, do you think biofuels present for Minnesotans? If you have identified advantages, how would you leverage them to achieve more benefits for the environment and consumers over the next two to four years? If you identified disadvantages associated with biofuels, what, if any, actions would you take to address those disadvantages?
A. There is considerable advantage in biofuels for Minnesotans including, opportunities for small business development, additional markets for farmers and good pay jobs and I support investing on research that is already showing promise-algae as a biofuel precursor-and in emerging research. We are fortunate to have AURI in Minnesota and I will proudly take Minnesota innovation to Washington as a model. I like many do support continued research and development to reduce the amounts of water used in the full cycle of producing ethanol.
Q. What actions would you take, for the medium term, to make E15 the new regular fuel?
A. I support making E15 a regular fuel in the near term, and most likely the medium term. As stated above I support research and development to reduce the amount of water used in the production of E15. Transitioning from carbon based to renewable fuels is just beginning and I know if all the stakeholders in Minnesota work together, we can lead the nation in wise use of biofuels and other renewable fuels.
Q. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your position on biofuels in Minnesota?
A. My position on biofuels is based on my reading of the science at this point in time, not an ideological or partisan position. If I am elected I will represent all the citizens that live in CD 3 (congressional district three) and all the small businesses big and small that make their home in the district and I will talk with all stakeholders on every issue, including developing a renewable energy economy.
Come back to Blogging For Biofuels tomorrow to check out what Joe Perske, who is running for the U.S. Representative seat in Minnesota's sixth congressional district.