Iowa’s congressional delegation applauds EPA’s announcement on Renewable Fuels Standard

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday released the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard volume requirements for 2026 and 2027 at higher volumes than during the Biden Administration. The EPA says if finalized, the proposed volume requirements would be the highest ever under the RFS program. Iowa’s congressional delegation is applauding the EPA’s announcement.

North-central Iowa congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she’s very encouraged by the RFS statement. “I want to thank the president and administrator Zeldin for acknowledging through this that we need to support our farmers here in Iowa who feed and fuel the world. I think it’s noble obviously that this administration is reversing course on the silly proposal to do e-RINs. This is going to be a focus on liquid fuels.”

E-RINs were a proposed marketable credit connected to electric vehicles. Hinson says the EPA’s move to hike the RFS will help get closed and idled biofuel plants in Iowa once again into production.  “This administration clearly acknowledges the benefits of liquid fuels and specifically of biofuels, so I look forward to continuing to work with them and with our producers here in Iowa so we can get those idle plants back up and running.”

In a written statement, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says she applauds the Trump administration for getting the RFS back on track after the Biden administration blatantly ignored the needs of farmers and biofuels producers. Iowa’s other Senator Chuck Grassley says five biodiesel plants in Iowa closed or idled in part because Renewable Volume Obligation numbers were set too low, but the Trump administration’s announcement turns that around, delivering a victory for American energy security and following through on their promise to support American agriculture.