Minnesota, one of the nation’s leading producers and consumers of biodiesel, will again have a strong voice on the Clean Fuels Alliance America Governing Board. During its annual fly-in and governing board election in November in Washington, D.C., the board reelected Brewster farmer Chris Hill to his third term representing the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) on Clean Fuels. 

“This board is so dynamic. We have people who are on the farms where the oil is produced, we have those represent the crush industry and even have someone who represents the oil-heat industry in the Northeast,” said Hill, who will serve another two-year term. “It’s a great group of people, and I’m honored to represent Minnesota.” 

Hill, who also represents Jackson County on the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, is joined on the governing board by fellow Minnesotan Jeramie Weller, the chief executive officer and general manager of the Minnesota Soybean Processors, a soybean crush and biodiesel plant located in Brewster. MSR&PC Sr. Director of Product Development Mike Youngerberg, one of the nation’s leading biodiesel experts, also attended the meeting in the nation’s capital.  

Brewster farmer Chris Hill (right) has been involved in biodiesel advocacy for over 25 years.

Clean Fuels is the national trade organization representing the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industries that works to create sustainable industry growth through education, communication, governmental affairs, and technical and quality assurance programs. It was formerly known as the National Biodiesel Board, and MSR&PC is a longtime member of the organization. 

“Our governing board reflects the full strength and diversity of the clean fuels industry, bringing together leaders who understand the opportunities and challenges ahead,” Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen said. “With their guidance, Clean Fuels will continue driving stable markets, strong demand and smart policies that secure long-term growth for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.” 

The Clean Fuel’s fly-in and governing board election provided an opportunity for its members across the nation to visit with lawmakers about the need for stable markets, expanded production and long-term policy certainty. One of the visions for Clean Fuels is to expand production of biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel to exceed 6 billion gallons by 2030. Hill notes that it’s a very achievable goal, with assistance lawmakers and regulatory leaders in D.C.

“We’re doing some really good things and have had some really big wins lately with the increase in RVOs in the renewable fuel standard, our biggest increase ever,” said Hill. “We’re still waiting on guidance for 45Z, but the future is looking bright.” 

Hill and others from MSR&PC will reconnect with others in the Clean Fuels industry to learn about advancements in the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industry when they participate in the annual See For Yourself visit to the Clean Fuels Conference, which takes place Jan. 19-22, 2026, in Orlando, Fla.