The bill was laid over by the House Agriculture Committee for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish testified for the bill, saying the current ten percent ethanol requirement is good for the state. “When Minnesota passed the (ten percent) bill in 1997, it was one of the best economic development tools that we’ve had.” Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Kevin Paap said the state has been a leader in the adoption of renewable fuels. “Let’s build on our history and be the first state to move to a year-round 15 percent standard and enable farmers do our part to grow and produce a cleaner burning, high-octane fuel that reduces greenhouse gases.” A similar bill is awaiting action in the Minnesota State Senate.
