www.mnbiofuels.org

EDITOR'S NOTE

The quote above is based on information from the Renewable Fuels Association which underscores the growing importance of biofuel usage in our transportation fuel.

It's an encouraging statistic but doesn't reflect the true potential biofuels have in reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. For example, there are an estimated 17 million flex-fuel vehicles (FFV) in the country with some 400,000 in Minnesota alone.

But as highlighted by some from the auto industry and other non-profit bodies, only 20% of FFV owners use E85. In Minnesota, based on data from the Department of Commerce, FFV owners used an average of 45 gallons of E85 in 2013. What is the reason for such alarming statistics? It can't be a lack of supply as Minnesota has over 350 stations. Could it be that there just isn't enough information on FFVs and E85? Is it possible that FFV owners don't know they own an FFV and can use E85?

To that end, we have embarked on several campaigns to encourage FFV owners in Minnesota to use E85 since there's probably a station down the street from where they live. And we're reminding them that they can save on average between 80 cents to a dollar per gallon by using E85. Concurrently, we are also encouraging non-FFV owners that they also have the option of a high octane cheaper fuel in the form of E15 if their car is a 2001 or newer model. There are currently six stations in the state that offer E15 with more expected to come on board later in the year. At the same time, we need you and everyone to start asking gas station managers to offer E15. If there's sufficient demand, supply will increase.

Have a great month ahead and don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest information.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COLUMN:

Biofuels Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Editor's Note points to a major problem confronting society but it also points to part of the solution to the problem. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), many of the observed climate changes, including temperature, storm patterns and intensity and the amounts of rain and snowfall, are unprecedented over decades to millennia. And the largest contribution to climate change "is caused by the increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide." Carbon dioxide is one of the gases released from the fuel we use to power our vehicles.

Read more here

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

U.S. Water Services

This month, we spotlight U.S. Water Services, which is one of the fastest growing water treatment companies in the country and provides its services to several ethanol producers in Minnesota.

In fact, its services were recently highlighted in a report by the West Central Tribune (see above) on Bushmill Ethanol's efforts to reduce its water usage for ethanol production.

We recently interviewed Todd Emslander, Ethanol Process Team member at U.S.Water on the company's services, involvement in the ethanol industry as well as his views on the industry.

Read the interview here

MBA ANNOUNCEMENTS

MBA Teams Up With KS95

As mentioned in this month's Editor's Note, MBA has

embarked on several new campaigns to increase E85 and E15 usage. One of these campaigns is with KS95, one of the top radio stations in the Twin Cities.

We will be running a series of ads on E85 and E15 over the next three months to increase awareness of the advantages in using either fuel. And as an added bonus, KS95 will run trivia questions on ethanol, E85 and E15 throughout the campaign on their website for the members of their loyal listeners club. Answering a questions correctly will earn you points which can later be redeemed for prizes. Test your knowledge by clicking on the image to the right!

Updated E85 and Blender Pump Map

With over 350 E85 stations in the state, there's probably a station
near you that sells E

85. We recently updated our E85 and blender pump map so you can now you won't have to drive far to save on gas.

Visit our updated map here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MBA is proud to announce that we are one of the supporting organizations for the Fuel Ethanol Workshop 2014 and the National Advanced Biofuels Conference and Expo. MBA members will receive a discount code for both events soon. Information on both events are below:

Fuel Ethanol Workshop 2014 : June 19 - 12, Indianapolis, IN

Now in its 30th year, the Fuel Ethanol Workshop (FEW) provides the global ethanol industry with cutting edge content and unparalleled network opportunities in a dynamic business-to-business environment. The FEW is the largest and longest running ethanol conference in the world.

National Advanced Biofuels Conference : Oct 13-15, Minneapolis, MN

Produced by BBI International, this national event will feature the world of advanced biofuels and biobased chemicals - technology scale-up, project finance, policy, national markets and more - with a core focus on the industrial, petroleum and agribusiness alliances defining the national advanced biofuels industry.

With a vertically integrated program and audience, the National Advanced Biofuels Conference & Expo is tailored for industry professionals engaged in producing, developing and deploying advanced biofuels, biobased platform chemicals, polymers and other renewable molecules that have the potential to meet or exceed the performance of petroleum-derived products.

www.mnbiofuels.org