Ernst Works to Support Homegrown Iowa Biofuels

WASHINGTON - Ahead of the final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined her colleagues in standing up for biofuel producers and supporting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the RFS "Set 2" rule.

In a letter to Administrator Lee Zeldin, the lawmakers also urged the EPA to reallocate 100% of the waived gallons from any granted Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) and to finalize the rule swiftly to ensure farmers and biofuel producers don't lose out.

"At a time when farm families and rural communities face tough markets and economic uncertainty, we appreciate EPA's recognition of the vital role American biofuels and agriculture play in lowering fuel prices and advancing American energy dominance. The proposed volumes in the Set 2 rule represent a meaningful commitment to supporting cheaper homegrown fuels, farm income, and rural economies. These volumes matter -not just to biofuel producers, but to the farmers who grow the corn, soybeans, and other feedstocks that power this economy, and to every American who enjoys lower prices at the pump because of biofuels. A strong RVO means stronger commodity prices, more stable markets, and greater opportunity for rural America," the lawmakers wrote.

"As EPA considers its supplemental proposal, we urge the agency to fully reallocate 100% of the waived gallons for compliance years 2023-2025. Without full restoration the benefits of the original proposal won't reach the farm gate or lower prices at the pump. Farmers and rural businesses will ultimately bear the brunt of weakened demand and lower prices," the lawmakers continued.

Read the letter here.

Background:

In April, Ernst urged the EPA to restore integrity, stability, and growth to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by raising Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels. Following the EPA's June announcement for getting the RFS back on track, Ernst praised the Trump administration for proposing record biofuel volumes, adding domestic feedstock protections, and reversing the Biden-era electric vehicle (EV) mandate - putting America's farmers and rural communities first.

She also helped introduce the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act, which she successfully included in the One Big Beautiful Bill to extend the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and ensure domestic feedstocks are prioritized for biofuel production - opening new markets for farmers.

More broadly, Ernst has been a leading advocate for homegrown Iowa biofuels, securing access to E15 for the summer driving months and pushing for permanent, nationwide availability that would give consumers, farmers, and biofuel producers the certainty they deserve.

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