Klobuchar Joins MN Bio-Fuels At Ethanol Plant To Discuss Gas Prices and Fuel Affordability

Burnsville, March 31 - A visit to Bushmills Ethanol on Monday highlighted the role of homegrown biofuels in lowering fuel costs and strengthening domestic energy production.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels), plant leadership, and industry representatives to tour the facility and discuss how ethanol production supports Minnesota's economy and provides lower-cost fuel options for consumers.

Bushmills Ethanol, a farmer-owned cooperative located in Atwater, produces ethanol, dried distillers' grains, and distillers' corn oil while supporting jobs and agricultural markets across the region.

Brian Werner, executive director of the MN Bio-Fuels, emphasized the importance of expanding access to lower-cost fuel options.

"Minnesota's ethanol producers are on the front lines of delivering affordable, homegrown energy to American consumers," said Brian Werner, Executive Director of the MN Bio-Fuels. "Facilities like Bushmills Ethanol, powered by Minnesota farmers, are helping strengthen our energy supply while lowering costs at the pump. As global instability continues to drive up fuel prices, expanding access to E15 is a practical way to provide immediate relief for families while supporting rural communities and our domestic energy future."

The visit comes as policymakers at both the state and federal level focus on expanding access to E15, a gasoline blend often marketed as Unleaded 88 and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in all vehicles model year 2001 and newer. E15 has consistently been priced lower than traditional gasoline and reached the largest price gap on record in 2024 at $0.18 per gallon. While a temporary national emergency waiver for the summertime sale of E15 was granted last week by the EPA, Minnesota Bio-Fuels continues to call on Congress to make year-round E15 permanent.

Arecent study found Minnesota drivers saved $24.7 million in 2024 alone by choosing E15, with $79.5 million in cumulative savings since 2013.

"We appreciate Senator Klobuchar's leadership on this issue and her visit to Bushmills Ethanol," Werner added. "Expanding access to affordable, homegrown fuel options like E15 is an important part of helping Minnesota families manage rising costs."