ICYMI: Ernst Secures Big Win for Iowa’s Farmers and Biofuel Producers
Heeding the Iowa senator’s requests, the administration announced their denial of small refinery “gap year” waivers and took action to increase access to E15.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a tireless advocate for Iowa’s farmers and agriculture community, secured a big win for the state’s biofuel industry this week. Following her call, the administration
announced their decision to deny “gap year” petitions for small refinery exemptions (SREs) for past compliance years and clarify the ability of existing fuel infrastructure to support expanded E15 use.
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Ernst spoke with Iowa Agribusiness Report’s David Geiger on the administration’s actions: “
Finally, the administration has heeded my calls for action, and they are now denying those waivers. So, we’re just thankful that the administration is living up to its promises to support the Renewable Fuel Standard.”
Ernst went on to say, “
We also have additional great information on infrastructure, allowing E15 to be purchased through E10 pumps. So, a lot of steps forward.”
Ernst also
praised the work being done to support ethanol trade between the U.S. and Brazil. Tariff-free access to Brazil helps provide Iowa’s corn farmers and producers with a much-needed market for Iowa-made ethanol, and is something she has been
pushing for.
KIOW reported
on Ernst’s efforts with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to expand market access for U.S. ethanol in Brazil, noting: “
Grassley and Ernst sent a letter to U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Todd Chapman last month rebuking the partisan efforts of two senior congressional Democrats who claimed that trade officials and American diplomats were working to reduce Brazil’s ethanol trade barriers for political gain as opposed to the numerous benefits for the American people, including economic and environmental.”
This week, Ernst also
spoke with Iowa members and leaders of Growth Energy about her work for the biofuel industry and was awarded with the organization’s “Fueling Growth” award for the sixth year in a row.
As
reported
by Market Screener, Ernst received the award “
for her continued efforts to fight on behalf of the biofuel industry in Iowa, and across the country.”
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