Rep. Finstad, MN Bio-Fuels Highlights Lower-Cost Homegrown Fuel At Al-Corn Clean Fuel

Picture caption (from right to left): Rep. Brad Finstad and Thomas Harwood, CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel, during the plant tour.

Claremont, May 8 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) highlighted the role of homegrown biofuels in lowering fuel costs, strengthening domestic energy production, and supporting rural communities during a visit today with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad at Al-Corn Clean Fuel in Claremont.

The visit brought together Rep. Finstad, MN Bio-Fuels, plant leadership, and industry representatives for a tour of the facility and a discussion on ethanol production, fuel affordability, and the importance of permanent year-round access to E15.

Al-Corn Clean Fuel produces ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, and other co-products that support local farmers, create value for Minnesota agriculture, and contribute to the region's economy.

Brian Werner, executive director of MN Bio-Fuels, said the visit underscored the important connection between Minnesota agriculture, consumer savings, and domestic energy security.

"Al-Corn Clean Fuel is a strong example of how Minnesota's biofuels industry delivers value from the farm field to the fuel pump," said Brian Werner, Executive Director of MN Bio-Fuels. "Facilities like Al-Corn help support local farmers and rural communities while producing a homegrown renewable fuel that gives drivers a lower-cost option at the pump. At a time when families are still feeling pressure from higher fuel prices, expanding access to E15 by allowing it to be sold year-round nationwide is a practical way to help consumers save while strengthening our domestic energy supply."

The visit comes as Congress continues to consider permanent year-round access to E15, a gasoline blend often marketed as Unleaded 88. E15 is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in all vehicles model year 2001 and newer and has consistently been priced lower than traditional gasoline. In 2024, E15 reached its largest average price gap on record at $0.18 per gallon lower than E10.

A recent study found Minnesota drivers saved $24.7 million in 2024 alone by choosing E15, with cumulative savings reaching $79.5 million since 2013. The study also found E15 sales generate $166.3 million in annual economic output, support 1,081 jobs statewide, and contribute $30.8 million in annual tax revenue, underscoring the broader economic value of expanding access to Minnesota-made biofuels.

"We appreciate Congressman Finstad taking the time to visit Al-Corn Clean Fuel and engage directly with Minnesota's biofuels producers," Werner added. "His support for affordable, homegrown fuel options like E15, and his leadership on legislation that would provide for year-round E15 access, matters for Minnesota families, farmers, and rural communities."

Picture caption : Rep. Brad Finstad with Al-Corn Clean Fuel's team.