Today, we take a look at Minnesota senate district 49, where incumbent Steve Cwodzinki is being challenged by Marla Helseth, and district 57, where Jackie Craig is running against incumbent Zach Duckworth. Only Cwodzinski and Craig responded to our queries.
Steve Cwodzinski (D) District 49
Q. Do you support Minnesota’s Petroleum Replacement Law (Minn. Stat. 239.7911), which calls for the consumption of at least 30 percent biofuels in transportation fuel by 2025?
A. Yes - increasing the percentage of biofuels in our transportation fuel by 2025 helps us reduce our fossil fuel dependence from foreign suppliers and support our farmers here in MN.
Q. Do you support a role for ethanol in clean fuel standard legislation?
A. Yes - I support the inclusion of ethanol in clean fuel standard legislation as long as the legislation takes into account the carbon emissions produced in the totality of the fuel's life cycle. I am a supporter of creating a market for tradable credits which incentivizes fuels that have a lower carbon-emission.
Q. Do you support accelerating the permitting process for installation of equipment to improve ethanol production and reduce emissions?
A. Yes - We should have an efficient and expedient permitting process for those interested in improving ethanol production and reducing emissions.
Q. Do you support making higher ethanol blends, such as E15, available across Minnesota by funding compatible infrastructure at retail stations? If yes, would you prefer the funding source to come from the General Fund or a fee placed on each gallon of liquid fuel sold in Minnesota similar to the Petrofund program?
A. Yes - I approve of incentivizing retailers to purchase and install the equipment through better permitting and cutting red tape and, where it is needed, by helping fund compatible infrastructure at retail stations. A fee per gallon of liquid fuel sold in MN would be the best way to pay for this as those who use this infrastructure and liquid fuel the most should pay for it proportionally instead of having the cost fall on those who use electric vehicles, low-emission vehicles, public transportation, carpooling, bikes, or bodies to get around.
Jackie Craig (D) District 57
Q. Do you support Minnesota’s Petroleum Replacement Law (Minn. Stat. 239.7911), which calls for the consumption of at least 30 percent biofuels in transportation fuel by 2025?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you support a role for ethanol in clean fuel standard legislation?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you support accelerating the permitting process for installation of equipment to improve ethanol production and reduce emissions?
A. Yes.
Q. Do you support making higher ethanol blends, such as E15, available across Minnesota by funding compatible infrastructure at retail stations? If yes, would you prefer the funding source to come from the General Fund or a fee placed on each gallon of liquid fuel sold in Minnesota similar to the Petrofund program?
A. Yes - I have yet to research all the details; however, I usually prefer fuel fees remain clear to taxpayers. This makes me lean toward a fee placed on fuel. I am open to data supporting other options.
Archives:
Carolyn Treadway (District 19A)