Grassley Hosts U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action, Celebrates Homegrown Biofuels

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer, today hosted the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action for an event welcoming the organization’s new report on the benefits of biofuels, where he delivered a keynote address. Grassley is a longtime champion of year-round, nationwide E15 , and has repeatedly advocated on the Senate floor for E15’s passage. Download photos HERE . Prepared Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa “Fueling Agriculture: Biofuels as the Catalyst” Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Thank you for giving me the honor of hosting you today. As you might expect, nobody needs to twist my arm to celebrate America’s homegrown biofuels. I also want to thank you for the work you do to drive economic growth and innovation in rural America. I stand here today, shoulder to shoulder, with your grassroots coalition representing America’s farmers and workers who help feed and fuel the world. The report you’re releasing backs up what I’ve been saying for years. Biofuels are good for the rural economy; good for national security; good for the environment; and good for Americans’ pocketbooks. As you may know, my home state is the nation’s leading biofuels producer. Last year, Iowa produced 4.6 billion gallons of ethanol and 266 million gallons of biodiesel. These domestic markets drive $5.4 billion of Iowa’s gross domestic product and support 31,000 jobs. Make no mistake. Iowa has the capacity to produce more biofuel to meet demand and support livelihoods in our rural communities for generations to come. At my 99 county meetings, I hear from farmers facinghigh input costs and commodity prices below the cost of production. A robust biofuels market would answer the prayers of farmers working their tails off to keep their farming operation afloat. That’s why I’m fighting tooth and nail for permanent, year-round E15. Making this option available from sea to shining sea would save Americans 20 to 40 cents a gallon at the pump, sometimes even more. It would pump billions of dollars into local economies from the paychecks of biofuels workers, and corn farmers would see $14 billion in expanded demand for their product. That robust revenue stream will strengthen rural communities, supporting schools, hospitals, infrastructur and economic vitality on Main Street. Thanks to the bipartisan House vote last month , we’re one step closer to getting E15 across the finish line. Today’s report will help grow momentum to get E15 through the Senate and to the president’s desk. Enacting E15 is a perfect way to celebrate America’s 250 years of freedom. It would give Americans the freedom to choose cheaper fuel at the pump and unleash innovation for next generation biofuels, including aviation and maritime markets. And, it would put American energy security first. For 250 years, America’s farmers have embraced new technology to improve productivity using less resources. Getting rid of outdated red tape will boost economic freedom for farmers, biofuel producers and fuel retailers. As a lifelong family farmer and U.S. Senator for Iowa, I welcome today’s report that shows the facts are on our side. American-made biofuels reflect American values of competition, choice and innovation. As far as I’m concerned, E15 is as American as motherhood and apple pie. -30-