A delegation of representing Michigan ethanol producers hit Capitol Hill on Thursday for a series of meetings with members of Congress and their staff. The fly-in, organized by Growth Energy, was designed to educate lawmakers about the benefits of ethanol.

The Michigan delegation includes David Gloer and Don Morse with POET Biorefining-Caro, Gary Lazarski of Carbon Green BioEnergy and Steve Bleyl from Green Plains Renewable. They are pictured here in the office of Rep. Dan Benishek (center) along with Growth Energy representatives Jim Nussle and Tom Buis. (Thanks to Growth Energy for providing the photo)

“This is an important opportunity for Michigan ethanol supporters to speak directly with the policy makers in Washington about the benefits of domestically-produced ethanol,” said Gloer, who is General Manager of POET Biorefining Caro. “If we want to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, create jobs here in the U.S. and strengthen our national security, we must invest in America’s fuel: ethanol.”

During the group’s two day visit, they will meet personally with four of their state representatives as well as staff members of two others and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) The meetings will focus on how expanding the production of ethanol through infrastructure development could help strengthen the Michigan economy and environment.