The Governors’ Biofuels Coalition will name Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to serve as the 2019 chair of the coalition, a move that has the support of Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen along with thousands of corn and soybean farmers throughout the state.

“Midwest governors have played an important role on the Biofuels Coalition and ensuring that state and national renewable energy policies will expand the growth of this industry,” said Commissioner Petersen. “I look forward to supporting Governor Walz and his work on this bipartisan coalition.”

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Vice President Jamie Beyer says Walz’s previous position representing Minnesota’s ag-rich First District, along with his longtime support of renewable fuels, makes him an ideal choice to lead the coalition.

“Minnesota is a leader in the production and use of biofuels. Tasking Gov. Walz with leading the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition is a win-win,” Beyer said. “His experience in Congress and his longtime support for the industry will undoubtedly shine as he guides the coalition into the future.”

Minnesota ranks fourth nationally in the production of biofuels. The state has 19 ethanol plants with production capacity of 1.2 billion gallons and three biodiesel plants with production capacity of 87.5 million gallons.

“The power of collaboration between state officials, federal officials and biofuel supporters like Minnesota Corn has made our state a national leader in ethanol infrastructure with sales of ethanol-blended fuels at an all-time high,” Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Brian Thalmann said. “We look forward to Governor Walz continuing this tradition on a national level to promote higher ethanol blends and a future of cleaner-burning fuels.”

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem will serve as vice chair of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition this year.