Klobuchar, Fischbach Honored for Rural Energy, E15 Work

(KNSI) – Two members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation are being honored by national energy groups for their work on behalf of rural communities.

Democratic U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar received the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) 2026 Distinguished Service Award. She was nominated by co-op leaders, including directors of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, and is the only member of Congress to receive the award for the coming year.

NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said the award goes to leaders who show repeated support for the 42 million Americans who belong to electric cooperatives. The group credited Klobuchar with helping secure federal money for rural broadband, pushing to release home heating assistance for families and backing federal programs that finance rural power and internet upgrades.

Republican Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, who represents Minnesota’s 7th District, received Growth Energy’s Fueling Growth Award at the group’s annual Biofuels Summit in Washington. She was recognized for her work on behalf of ethanol producers, corn growers and rural communities.

Fischbach used her seat on the House Rules Committee to help move a bill through the House that would allow year-round sales of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol. Right now, summer sales of E15 depend on temporary emergency waivers.

Fischbach says year-round E15 would save drivers 20 to 40 cents a gallon. The E15 bill and the Farm Bill have both passed the House and are waiting on action in the Senate. She urged summit attendees to press senators to pass both.

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