The commissioner of agriculture for Minnesota considers the last year full of tremendous challenges but also opportunities for renewable energy.
Thom Petersen says he frequently communicates with officials at ethanol and biodiesel plants across the state.
“I might have on one hand a company or industry that’s really failing and really needs help, but on the other hand I do a meeting or a call with an industry or part of an industry that had a great idea and wants to really expand in Minnesota.”
He says even before the COVID-19 pandemic slashed domestic fuel consumption, ethanol had run into some trade obstacles and suffered demand destruction caused by EPA small refinery exemptions.
