Missouri Senator Jim Talent was on hand today to help promote the Paseo Biofuels/Cargill biodiesel plant announcement in Kansas City. He was certainly the biofuels Senator today.

Before coming over to the biodiesel presentation, Talent was attending the American Coalition for Ethanol convention which is also taking place here in Kansas City. Senator Talent received the ACE Legislative Leadership Award.

The award is given to a policymaker who goes above and beyond to promote the U.S. ethanol industry and strengthen rural America. Sen. Talent was selected for his leadership in championing the 7.5 billion gallon Renewable Fuels Standard for ethanol and biodiesel, as well as for his sponsorship and support for the Small Producer Tax Credit and E85 tax credit, all of which were included in last year’s Energy bill, now law.

I interviewed the Senator after his presentation. He talks about how important this proposed facility for the local community and the state of Missouri and gave a perspective on what’s happening in Washington, DC. For example, he said that the big oil companies are actively discouraging their franchisees from installing E85 pumps and he might sponsor legislation to prevent this pressure.

You can listen to my interview with Senator Talent here: Senator Jim Talent Interview (4 min MP3)