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Minnesota E15 sales hit monthly record

Sales of E15 in Minnesota reached a new monthly record in May.

Minnesota Biofuels Association executive director Tim Rudnicki says additional infrastructure is making gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol more available.

“So when retailers have the dispensing systems and pump decals noting E15 is available, consumers certainly have access to that.”

He tells Brownfield partnerships between the USDA, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, private funds, and other stakeholders are helping retailers provide higher blends of ethanol.

Rudnicki says the less obvious reason for improving E15 sales is through consumer outreach.

“One of the things the Minnesota Biofuels Association has done for the last several years is to create a variety of programs which go to training staff who are available at retail stations.  So they know what products are being offered and how to properly instruct customers who have questions about E15.”

May E15 sales in Minnesota were more than 1.1 million gallons, marking the third straight month above 1 million.

Rudnicki says the pace is expected to taper off through the summer because of Reid Vapor Pressure regulations.