Illinois Valley Times

Hennepin company Marquis Energy LLC was represented by CEO Mark Marquis at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, according to a release from the village of Hennepin.

“Our attendance at this conference allows us to share ethanol’s many benefits with all corners of the globe,” Marquis, who spoke at the conference, said in the release.

Marquis Energy is the United States' largest dry-mill ethanol facility, and it joined other ethanol-related businesses and trade associations at the conference. This was the first year biofuels were represented, a company spokesperson told the village.

Marquis Energy CEO Mark Marquis | Marquis Energy

Danielle Anderson, director of public relations for Marquis Energy, said that ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and is a locally produced fuel source that generates energy security and affordability, the release said. Almost all regular gas available at gas stations features a 10 percent ethanol blend, and many stations are selling higher blends like E15 and E85.

The UN conference attended focused on efforts to reduce the effects of climate change and the Paris climate agreement. While President Donald Trump has vowed to withdraw the United States from the agreement, he will not be able to do so until November 2020.