The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council traveled to Washington D.C., Nov. 6-8 to  visit with national leaders about the important role the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and biodiesel continues playing as part of America’s energy solutions.

Clean Fuels Alliance America, of which MSR&PC is a member, held its annual meeting and discussed the Environmental Protection Agency’s RFS with lawmakers in the nation’s capital. Formerly known as the National Biodiesel Board, Clean Fuels helps to aid biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel in being recognized as a mainstream low-carbon fuel option with superior performance and emission characteristics.

Of top concern for CFAA was the EPA’s RFS volumes for 2023, 2024, and 2025 that were set back in June. The biomass-based diesel (BBD) and advanced biofuel volumes were set at roughly one-third of what industry advocates recommended to the federal agency. The Hill Visits provided an opportunity for them to explain and educate how biofuels are a critical component of the renewable fuels conversations.

“We need to stay in the game,” said Mike Youngerberg, MSR&PC’s senior director of product development and commercialization. “We have made significant strides in reducing our carbon footprint through biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel and our federal policies should reflect that.”

Luckily for Minnesota, they have some champions in D.C. willing to go to bat for Minnesota soybean farmers, such as Sen. Amy Klobuchar, one of the top-ranking members of the Senate Ag Committee.

“Sen. Klobuchar has long been a supporter and advocate of the clean fuels industry,” said Youngerberg. “It’s good to know that she’s in their pushing the right buttons to get the right policies in place to support farmers,” he added.

Senator Klobuchar also addressed the entire congregation of Clean Fuels Alliance America during their annual meeting this week.  Minnesota representatives of the CFAA also had positive visits with Senator Tina Smith and Representatives Pete Stauber and Brad Finstad.

Joining Youngerberg was Minnesota Chris Hill, who was reelected to the Clean Fuels Alliance American governing board at the meeting, as well as representatives of the Minnesota Soybean Processors.

Learn more about Clean Fuels Alliance America at cleanfuels.org.