In the second installment of where candidates stand on issues surrounding Minnesota's ethanol industry, we head today to districts 16A where Doria Drost is up against Rep. Chris Swedzinski and 16B where Rep. Paul Torkelson faces Mindy Kimmel. Despite our efforts to reach out to Swedzinski and Kimmel, neither candidate chose to respond to our queries. As such, we will only feature the responses we received from Drost and Torkelson.
Doria Drost (D)
Q. Do you support Minnesota’s Petroleum Replacement Law (Minn. Stat. 239.7911), which calls for the consumption of at least 30 percent biofuels in transportation fuel by 2025?
A. Yes.
Q. Given the large number of spark ignition engine powered vehicles on the road and the need to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, what is your position concerning a Minnesota Low Carbon High Octane Fuel Standard/Clean Fuels Policy which would result in higher consumption of ethanol?
A. Yes - I am in favor of policy proposals that would increase ethanol & biofuel production and consumption throughout the state. I believe we must continually work to lower GHG and carbon emissions and need to be proactive in the push for clean energy. Higher ethanol consumption is also positive for the MN economy, as it is one of our leading exports.
Q. Do you support accelerating the permitting process for installation of equipment to improve ethanol production and reduce emissions?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you support making higher ethanol blends, such as E15, available across Minnesota through infrastructure funding?
A. Yes.
Paul Torkelson (R)
Q. Do you support Minnesota’s Petroleum Replacement Law (Minn. Stat. 239.7911), which calls for the consumption of at least 30 percent biofuels in transportation fuel by 2025?
A. Yes. The continued growth in the production and use of renewable biofuels is good for the environment and good for the economy here in Minnesota and across the country.
Q. Given the large number of spark ignition engine powered vehicles on the road and the need to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, what is your position concerning a Minnesota Low Carbon High Octane Fuel Standard/Clean Fuels Policy which would result in higher consumption of ethanol?
A. Yes. I currently serve as the Republican Lead on the Minnesota House Transportation Committee and I strongly support continued State support for the growth of biofuel use in transportation. Even MNDOT recognizes the potential benefits.
Q. Do you support accelerating the permitting process for installation of equipment to improve ethanol production and reduce emissions?
A. Yes. My experience with MPCA and their treatment of the permitting process for the ethanol industry indicates to me that they have a deep-seated bias against ethanol. They should instead adopt procedures and policies that would help the industry accelerate the installation and use of new and more efficient processes.
Q. Do you support making higher ethanol blends, such as E15, available across Minnesota through infrastructure funding?
A. Yes. I also support working in a coordinated way with our neighboring states to establish regional standards which would make the supply chain much more efficient.
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