A delegation of six Kansas ethanol supporters are in Washington D.C. this week for a series of meetings with members of Congress.

Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis welcomed the group’s visit. “Kansas is a crucial, steadfast ally for the American ethanol industry, and we are pleased that so many Kansans have made the trip to Washington to educate their members of Congress about the ways ethanol contributes to the state and our country,” said Buis.

The six member group includes Steve McNinch of Western Plains Energy, Greg Krissek of ICM, Inc., Tom Willis of Conestoga, Mike Erhart and Monte Abell of Prairie Horizon, and Mike Chisalm of Kansas Ethanol. “It’s crucial that our representatives in Washington understand the benefits of ethanol – that it creates badly needed jobs in Kansas, provides an excellent return on taxpayer investment by keeping gas prices down, and contributes to our rural economies,” said Greg Krissek, ICM Director of Governmental Affairs, and a member of the Growth Energy board of directors. “Ethanol is not a ‘someday’ fuel – it’s here today, making our nation and our economy stronger. We can do even more by opening up the fuels market and giving consumers access to more ethanol.”

During their visit, the group will meet with Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Reps. Lynn Jenkins (KS-2), Kevin Yoder (KS-3), Mike Pompeo (KS-4) and Tim Huelskamp (KS-1), to help raise awareness about ethanol and its role in reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, creating jobs, keeping gas prices down and strengthening our economy. The meetings will focus on Growth Energy’s proposal to reform the transportation market by developing the infrastructure to deliver ethanol to consumers. During their visit, the delegation will also attend a Policy Issues briefing conducted by Growth Energy staff and meet with the Democratic and Republican staffs of the House Agriculture Committee.