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Ethanol industry poised for major growth ahead of E15 approval

The CEO of an ethanol plant in southern Minnesota anticipates Congress passing year-round nationwide E15 legislation this year. 

Brian Kletscher with Highwater Ethanol in Lamberton says lawmakers are working hard to get E15 across the finish line.

“They just need to find the right bill to attach it to and let it move forward.”

He tells Brownfield the biofuels industry has been waiting a long time.

“Congress has talked about it for the last what, three (to) five years. Whatever it’s been.”

And Kletscher says the impact of year-round nationwide E15 would be substantial.

“We could see an uptick of I would bet you 3 to 5 billion gallons a year, and that’s a lot.”

He says Highwater is one of many ethanol plants seeking permits to expand production in anticipation of year-round nationwide E15.

Kletscher made these comments during the Brownfield affiliate KNUJ Farm Forum last week.