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

EPA proposes record biofuel volumes, domestic feedstock protections, and rolls back EV mandate
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:
Despiterecommendations 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 permanentlyclosedor temporary stalled, including one inRalston, Iowa.
Following the plant’s closure, Ernstpushedthe administration toincreaseRVO levels for homegrown Iowa biofuels. She hasmade the same request ofthe Trump administration. Ernst alsobackedlegislation 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 hasled the wayin 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 leadingadvocatefor homegrown, Iowa biofuels, securing access to E15 for the summer driving months, while continuing thecallfor permanent, nationwide availability that would give those in the biofuel industry the certainty they deserve. She was instrumental in creating andmaintainingtheHigher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Programas 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 tocorrectthe incomplete and delayed Biden-era guidance on 45Z that has left biofuel producers and rural America inongoing uncertainty.
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