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Minnesota is one of the “Big 6”

Minnesota is one of the “Big 6”

August 17th, 2018

While there are no oil wells in Minnesota, our state is still a major fuel producer.  Minnesota is one of six states that together produce more than 70 percent of the ethanol fuel made in the United States each year. This is according to reports from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Minnesota’s 19 ethanol refineries create 28 million barrels – that’s more than a billion gallons – each year. That places Minnesota in 4th place for ethanol production. Iowa is the top producer, followed by Nebraska, then Illinois.  Indiana and South Dakota round out the “Big 6” for ethanol production.

The United States produces an estimated 367 million barrels of ethanol every year.  Unlike oil, ethanol is renewable, and the plants used to make ethanol capture and hold carbon, reducing the fuel’s greenhouse gas emissions. It is also less expensive than petroleum, and because it’s made close to home, there’s a shorter supply line to get fuel to Minnesota retailers.

This growth industry (ethanol production doubled from 2006 to 2016) offers more energy independence for our country, more jobs for local communities, and more choices at the pump for individuals.