Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) recently toured and met with Colorado-based Gevo to discuss renewable fuels and chemicals for Colorado and the U.S. economy. Senator Bennet met with Gevo executives including chief executive officer Patrick Gruber, Ph.D. to discuss energy policy and see first-hand the research and development Gevo has done on creating isobutanol to be converted to biochemicals and renewable fuels.

Isobutanol is a drop-in product that can be used in existing infrastructure. Gevo’s isobutanol has successfully cleared registration with the U.S. EPA as a fuel additive, is the first isobutanol to be listed in the EPA’s Fuel Registration Directory, making it approved for blending with gasoline. Last June Gevo worked with the United States Air Force (USAF) to provide fuel for the first successful “alcohol-to-jet” (ATJ) fuel test flight in an A-10 Thunderbolt II.

“We applaud Senator Bennet’s support for the renewable energy industry and appreciate his visit to our headquarters to learn about the technology that makes Gevo a leading renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels company,” said Gruber.

Senator Bennet remarked that he very much enjoyed his visit to Gevo and said, “Colorado has a strong reputation as a hub for innovation and firms like Gevo are leading the way. By developing innovative techniques for converting biomass to fuel, Gevo is a critical part of developing a balanced national energy portfolio.”