Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty may have laid out the boldest goal yet for ethanol use in his state. While on a statewide tour in late September, he announced an aggressive set of proposals ranging from doubling the amount of ethanol in each gallon of gas to dramatic reductions in the state's use of petroleum-based engine fuels.
"We applaud him for moving that issue forward," said Ron Obermoller, president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. "It's time."
Minnesota has long been a leader in the renewable fuels market. The state helped create a model for a farmer-owned ethanol plant and has required 10 percent ethanol for years. Pawlenty's new proposal would require all gasoline sold within the state to have 20 percent ethanol. He said it would take effect only when at least half of new vehicles sold in Minnesota have warranties for such a fuel, or by 2010, whichever comes first. Pawlenty said he would seek legislative approval for the mandate in 2005.
He sent letters to major auto manufacturers, urging coverage of a 20 percent blend. Some major auto manufacturers and trucking associations have voiced opposition to the plan.
"Industries sometimes need a pull from the marketplace to get things going," said Tim Gerlach of the Minnesota chapter of the American Lung Association. "If this shows them we're serious, it helps them make a better decision."
Pawlenty also introduced a plan to reduce state government vehicle use of gasoline by 50 percent by 2015. His plans include buying more hybrid vehicles, saving gas consumption by 950,000 gallons per year and increasing the use of E85 from the current 68,000 gallons to 1.7 million gallons.
"The Governor just decided that with $50 [per barrel] oil it was time to go for it, shake the tree a little bit," said Ralph Groschen, agriculture marketing specialist for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. "Minnesota is not a stranger to taking big steps."
The governor also called for allowing single-occupant hybrid vehicles to use High Occupancy Vehicle freeway lanes. Pawlenty announced that he is directing the Metropolitan Council to add at least 20 hybrid buses to its fleet by 2008. The Council, which is a seven-county regional planning agency, currently has three hybrid buses.
Minnesota ethanol plants currently produce more than 400 mmgy. It is the first state requiring every gallon of gasoline sold within the state to contain 10 percent ethanol. Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle recently signed a similar bill in her state.
Pawlenty is set to become the chairman of the National Governors Association's renewable fuels committee next year.
"I think it's a little too soon to say what the definite impact is," Monte Shaw of the Renewable Fuels Association told Ethanol Producer Magazine. "But I think it's positive. It will certainly create an open dialogue."

-Staff Report