Ernst, Rollins Fulfill Commitments to Expand Access to Biofuels
RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins at an ethanol production facility in Atlantic, Iowa to announce the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) continued support of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).
Ernst has championed HBIIP since its inception and helped it grow into an essential tool for retail store owners to purchase the infrastructure necessary to provide higher blends of biofuels at the pump.
Click here for more photos from today’s visit.
“Thank you, Secretary Rollins, for announcing certainty for our farmers and biofuel producers while you’re right here visiting the great state of Iowa,” Senator Ernst said.“I’ve worked hard to help develop and maintain HBIIP over the years to ensure that from Casey’s to your local mom-and-pop gas stations, retail store owners have the tools they need to deliver higher blends of biofuels at the pump, expanding access to homegrown fuels and choices for consumers. This is another example of how the Trump administration is putting our rural communities first.”
“President Trump is honoring our commitment to America’s farmers, ranchers and small businesses, especially here in Iowa where corn and soy growers are crucial to supporting ethanol and biodiesel production,” Secretary Rollins said. “Under the President’s leadership, we are moving away from the harmful effects of misguided climate policies like the Green New Deal. Instead, USDA will deploy energy investments that prioritize the needs of our rural communities. Through HBIIP, we will expand access to domestic, homegrown fuels which will increase good paying jobs for hardworking Americans, restore rural prosperity and strengthen our nation’s energy security.”
Today’s announcement positively impacts over 275 stores across Iowa and provides certainty for the state’s farmers and biofuel producers. Iowa leads the nation in ethanol and biodiesel production, with 42 ethanol plants capable of producing over 4.7 billion gallons annually and 10 biodiesel plants with the annual production capacity of 416 million gallons.
Background:
Ernst was instrumental in creating and maintaining HBIIP as part of her commitment to invest in renewable fuel infrastructure, rural job opportunities, and hardworking farmers. She introduced the Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Production Market Expansion Act, which would provide resources to retailers for purchasing more compatible biofuel infrastructure.
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 has also advocated for raising RVO obligations to match biofuel production capacity and blasted the Biden administration for leaving behind all of rural America with the incomplete, delayed 45Z guidance.
Ernst met with Secretary Rollins multiple times during her confirmation process and secured critical commitments from her in support of Iowa farmers. Ernst has been working in tandem with Rollins and the Trump administration to deliver results for the entire Iowa agriculture community.
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