The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

To the editor:

Iowans know that ethanol plants and our farmer partners are stewards of the land who are committed to our local communities and consistently striving for growth.

Valero is committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity and unmatched execution. As the plant manager for Valero Hartley, I’m proud that Valero is investing in low-carbon fuel projects, and working with Navigator CO2.

Navigator CO2’s Heartland Greenway plays a vital role to further reduce the carbon intensity of liquid fuels, specifically the 140 million gallons of ethanol produced annually here in Hartley. Valero is expecting to be the anchor shipper with eight of its ethanol plants, including Hartley, connected to this system. With a lower carbon intensity ethanol product, every gallon produced at our plant becomes even more valuable, helping us to remain economically competitive, both locally and in growing markets around the world.

A thriving market for ethanol ensures a strong demand for corn, including the 50 million bushels we buy from area farmers each year.

Since 2009, Valero has been committed to supporting Hartley and Northwest Iowa. We are proud to support the Hartley Fire Department, local backpack programs, and veterans’ agencies. So far in 2022, our employees have volunteered over 750 hours of their time in the community, and pledged more than $61,000 to the local United Way. Investments in carbon management technology, such as Navigator CO2’s Heartland Greenway, will help ensure that Valero can continue these valuable partnerships for years to come. With every gallon we produce, we are working to bring that value back to the local rural communities that you and I, as well as our 76 employees, are proud to call home.

I urge our farmer customers, community members, and local leaders to support this project so we can continue to grow together.

Kraig Kruger,

Plant Manager,

Valero Renewables - Hartley