Ernst Applauds Trump Administration for Strengthening RFS and Delivering for Rural America

RED OAK, Iowa – Following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent announcement on the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels for 2026 and 2027, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement:

“After Biden blatantly ignored the needs of farmers and biofuel producers, I applaud the Trump administration for getting the RFS back on track with today’s announcement,” said Senator Ernst. “By eliminating the electric vehicle mandate and restoring the RFS’ original focus on liquid transportation fuels, prioritizing domestically grown crops over foreign imports, setting record-high volumes to revitalize the biofuel industry, and adopting safeguards to prevent small refinery waivers from gutting the program—it is clear the Trump administration is committed to championing rural America. I look forward to working with President Trump’s team to usher this rule across the finish line and keep delivering for Iowa’s famers, biofuel producers, and rural communities.”

Background:

Despite recommendations from Ernst, the Biden-era EPA finalized RVO levels that failed to accurately reflect market conditions and future production capacity. As a result, multiple biomass-based diesel plants have now permanently closed or temporary stalled, including one in Ralston, Iowa.

Following the plant’s closure, Ernst pushed the administration to increase RVO levels for homegrown Iowa biofuels. She has made the same request of the Trump administration. Ernst also backed legislation to include ocean-going vessels, such as cargo ships and tankers, under the RFS, opening up a new market for Iowa’s biofuel producers. Ernst has led the way in sounding the alarm on the dramatic increase in used cooking oil imports that can drive down demand for America crops.

More broadly, Ernst has been a leading advocate for homegrown, Iowa biofuels, securing access to E15 for the summer driving months, while continuing the call for permanent, nationwide availability that would give those in the biofuel industry the certainty they deserve. She was instrumental in creating and maintaining the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program as part of her commitment to invest in renewable fuel infrastructure, rural job opportunities, and hardworking farmers. Ernst also looks forward to working with the Trump administration to correct the incomplete and delayed Biden-era guidance on 45Z that has left biofuel producers and rural America in ongoing uncertainty.

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