Burnsville, Feb 1 - In order for Minnesota to achieve its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals, biofuels must be included in a fuel- and technology-neutral Clean Transportation Standard (CTS).

“The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association is committed to working with the legislature to ensure any CTS program is fuel- and technology-neutral so that we can meet GHG reduction targets while offering market opportunities to our state’s robust renewable fuel industry,” said Brian Werner, Executive Director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels).

A CTS work group established by the Minnesota legislature last year met over the last 6 months and submitted a final report to the state legislature today with recommendations on how to reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of all fuels used for transportation in Minnesota. The work group has 40 members, including MN Bio-Fuels Executive Director Brian Werner. 

“The final report makes it clear that any CTS program must take into consideration Minnesota's unique characteristics, such as our abundant farmland, resilient farmers, and thriving bioeconomy. That means in order to meet the GHG reduction targets the CTS program must tap into the strength and ingenuity of our state’s agriculture and bioprocessing sectors while supporting communities in rural Minnesota,” Werner said.

In 2023, the Minnesota legislature established the work group and set initial targets for CI fuel reduction of at least 25 percent by 2030, 75 percent by 2040, and 100 percent by 2050. 

“When it comes to GHG reductions from biofuel, we’re only scratching the surface. With the increased adoption of low-carbon farming practices, incorporation of renewable electricity and energy efficiency at biofuel production facilities, and the use of carbon capture and utilization technologies, the renewable fuels industry in Minnesota is rapidly on a path to net-zero by 2050,” Werner said.