As an ethanol supporter in Minnesota, I am confident that America has a strong future in renewable energy. Ethanol production has added jobs and economic growth to our communities, furthered energy independence and decreased America’s negative contributions to climate change.

Across the Midwest, ethanol has proven to create jobs in many agricultural communities, particularly during this difficult economic time. With a mere 5 percent increase in the blend there will be greater demand from the corn fields to the gasoline pump, in turn creating thousands of new, green-collar jobs. These are jobs for American communities like Albert Lea, not overseas in Abu Dhabi.

But the benefit of E15 doesn’t stop there. While our farmers and producers will see an increase in production, consumers filling up with E15 will help to displace some 7 billion gallons of imported foreign oil each year, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 59 percent.

In an age where we monitor every growth opportunity for its possible economic or environmental impact, using 15 percent ethanol is a sound step to take forward for both America’s economy and carbon footprint.

Terry Adams

Albert Lea