On November 22, 2019, Governor Tim Walz, Chair of the National Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan appointed Chris Hanson, Preston’s POET Biorefining general manager, as one of 15 leaders from across Minnesota to the Governor’s Council on Biofuels.
On September 16, 2019, Governor Walz issued the Executive Order 19-35 to establish the Governor’s Council on Biofuels to bring together leaders in agriculture and biofuels from across the state to recommend proposals to foster growth in the biofuels industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Growth in biofuels has had its challenges due to a combination of low market prices and changes in federal policy. To make progress, there is a need for ideas in policy and investment in biofuels development and utilization that are bold, practical, and broadly supported by a range of interest.
The transportation sector is now the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota. Minnesota was an early leader in promoting biofuels productions and use, and is now uniquely positioned to lead the way in reshaping how our transporation system is fueled, so that it helps improve air and water quality, reduce carbon emissions, and provide broadly shared economic benefits.
“It is my honor to appoint leaders in agriculture from across the state to the Governor’s Council on Biofuels,” said Governor Walz. “Their leadership will be instrumental in supporting our friends and neighbors in the ag and biofuels industries through what has been an incredibly challenging year. I look forward to the Council’s guidance in our efforts to move Minnesota toward a cleaner, greener transportation sector.”
Hanson joined POET in 2005 as the Technical Manager and became the General Manager in 2014. Before joining POET, he held various engineering and operating management positions with U.S. Steel in Northern Minnesota and also served eight years with the Air Force National Guard maintaining F-16 fighter jets. Hanson earned his MBA from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., and his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. Hanson’s term on council runs November 27, 2019, through April 2, 2023.