Sen. Amy Klobuchar Visits Bushmills Ethanol Plant

Klobuchar discusses the role of ethanol in the energy industry and the need for expanded biofuel blending

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:04pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of an ethanol storage tank or production facility, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet industrialism and the importance of renewable energy.Klobuchar's visit to the Bushmills Ethanol plant highlights the vital role of renewable fuels in reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and providing jobs in rural communities.Willmar Today

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar visited the Bushmills Ethanol plant near Atwater, Minnesota to discuss the current needs and challenges facing the ethanol industry. Klobuchar spoke with plant leaders about the importance of ethanol production and renewable fuels, especially as gas prices have risen sharply in recent months. The senator also toured the facility and learned about the ethanol production process.

Why it matters

Ethanol plays a key role in the U.S. energy landscape, providing an oxygenate for gasoline to reduce air pollution. With rising gas prices, there have been calls to expand the use of higher ethanol blends like E15 to help lower costs for consumers. Klobuchar's visit highlights the importance of the ethanol industry in Minnesota and the senator's efforts to support the sector through policy changes.

The details

During her visit, Klobuchar spoke with leaders at the Bushmills Ethanol plant about the current state of the industry and the need for increased ethanol blending. The plant, which was built in 2005, produces around 65 million gallons of ethanol annually and is owned by a cooperative of 400 local farmers. Klobuchar also toured the facility and learned about the ethanol production process, including testing and automation systems.

  • Klobuchar visited the Bushmills Ethanol plant on March 31, 2026.
  • The federal government approved a waiver on May 1, 2026 to allow for the nationwide sale of E15, gasoline blended with 15% ethanol.

The players

Amy Klobuchar

A U.S. Senator from Minnesota who has been a strong advocate for the ethanol industry and expanding the use of biofuels.

Bushmills Ethanol

An ethanol production plant located near Atwater, Minnesota that produces around 65 million gallons of ethanol per year. The plant is owned by a cooperative of 400 local farmers.

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What they’re saying

“It was a really good, in-depth conversation about the market, what is happening and the need when we see these high gas prices. You don't want to be dependent on one fuel. You have jobs right here in Minnesota that have been created by this.”

— Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator

“The ethanol industry and biodiesel couldn't be more important right now, all renewable fuels. We can't just be dependent on one kind of fuel. We are already 10% and we can be even higher. We have been held back by things like the limit on blending for biofuels.”

— Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator

What’s next

Klobuchar said she would like to see the expanded use of E15 ethanol blends made permanent through legislation, rather than relying on temporary waivers issued by each presidential administration. She plans to work with her Republican counterpart, Senator John Boozman, to try to include the E15 provision in the next farm bill.

The takeaway

Klobuchar's visit to the Bushmills Ethanol plant underscores the importance of the ethanol industry in Minnesota and the senator's efforts to support the sector through policy changes that would allow for greater use of renewable biofuels. As gas prices remain high, the push for expanded ethanol blending could provide relief for consumers while also boosting the local economy and reducing reliance on foreign oil.