Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen announced last week that former Republican Governor Pete Ricketts will fill the state’s U.S. Senate seat vacated when Ben Sasse resigned on Jan. 8 to become president of the University of Florida. Ricketts was an outspoken advocate for ethanol during his two terms as governor.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper congratulated Ricketts on his appointment. “During his two terms as governor of Nebraska, Pete Ricketts showed tremendous vision and leadership on agricultural and renewable fuel issues,” said Cooper. “He clearly understands that ethanol plays a crucial role in boosting the rural economy, improving the environment, and bolstering our nation’s energy security. Ricketts will be a welcome addition to the U.S. Senate and we know he will have an immediate impact. We are excited to have the opportunity to continue our work with him to expand the production and use of low-cost, low-carbon renewable fuels and the other important bioproducts that come from our nation’s 200 ethanol biorefineries.”

Ricketts will serve two years before a special election is held in 2024 for the last two years of Sasse’s term and could seek reelection in 2026 for a full six-year term.