I support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as the industry is a vital part of the economy in rural Minnesota. I have authored several bills to encourage the production of renewable fuels and increase the amount of renewable fuels in gasoline sold in our state.

The current biofuel mandates are working -- if there were to be attempts to modify them in the future I would have to carefully weigh all relevant factors before I would decide to support or oppose any changes.

Minnesota has always been a leader in making renewable fuel products, especially with our support of ethanol and biodiesel. This past session I was co-author of HF2456, a bill that created an advanced biofuel capital equipment loan program and established producer payment programs for advanced biofuel development, renewable chemical production and biomass thermal production. The bill was well-received in the Agriculture Policy Committee but unfortunately did not survive the entire legislative process this year.

Investing in agriculture is always a good idea -- doing so creates good paying jobs in my district, and throughout the state. I will continue to advocate for increased use of biofuels as long as I have the honor of representing District 22B.

Come back to Blogging For Biofuels tomorrow to see what his challenger, Cheryl Avenel - Navara, says about biofuels.