North Dakota’s energy industry got a boost last week, with a new two million dollar Biofuels Blender Pump program, announced by Governor John Hoeven and the Department of Commerce. The plan provides cost-share grants for the installation of ethanol and biodiesel blender pumps, rewarded to retailers who want to give more fuel options for North Dakota motorists. Hi friends I’m Scott Hennen, Chairman of the Common Sense Club sounding off. In a minute, driving home the financial incentives additional Biofuel pumps holds for our state, in today’s Common Sense Commentary!

In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need government incentives. I always prefer less government in our daily lives; but over the years, the ethanol world has continuously required government mandates to keep it viable. That’s a fact. But another reality existing within the industry is the tremendous economic benefits ethanol brings to North Dakota, when properly subsidized. It’s led to jobs, investment in plants and infrastructure, and a big shot in the arm for the Ag economy. So at least in this sense, it’s a good investment (compared to what is “spent” or wasted in most halls of the government).

Now, this new cost sharing grant funded by the legislature and backed by Governor Hoeven could push North Dakota to a nation-leading position for the availability of ethanol and bio-diesel blender pumps at the service station. That means that you—the consumer—win. In addition to the freedom you’ll have to decide the right blend for you and your vehicle, the forecast for the economic rewards this program will deliver is very promising. Randy Schneider, President of the North Dakota Ethanol Producers Association, speculates that the 29,000 fuel-flex vehicles already cruising around in our state will hopefully generate additional sales of 11 million gallons of ethanol, which would save producers 2.3 million in shipping costs and save consumers 1.9 million in fuel costs…all the while generating $115,000 in state tax. Provided these numbers hold true, that’s a pretty amazing return. An investment in our state, more control for the consumer, reducing our dependence on foreign oil—hey, that’s a good thing. So common sense kudos to Governor Hoeven and North Dakota Ethanol: they’re helping to drive us forward.

THAT’S MY OPINION, WHAT’S YOURS? WRITE TO ME AT BOX 23, MEDORA, NORTH DAKOTA 58645 OR SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS ONLINE AT SCOTTHENNEN.COM, AND THANKS FOR LISTENING!