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RFS waivers still a concern for state ag leaders

Minnesota Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen says action needs to be taken on RFS waivers soon.

“I’d like to see them rolled back,” he says. “I think that it’s gotten to be a big impact on our states and there was a promise made to our producers. It’s really important and I would like to see them rolled back.”

Petersen tells Brownfield the waivers and loss of markets have led to the closing of ethanol plants, including one in Minnesota recently.

During the NASDA annual meeting last week Petersen asked Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue about the administration’s vision for small refinery waivers.

“He had a pretty long answer talking about the importance of building E15 and E15 structure as well, so I was glad to hear that,” he says. 

Perdue says mitigation effort to offset waivers from the administration will be announced soon.

Audio: Thom Petersen, Minnesota Ag Commissioner