Ernst Works to Add Value to Iowa-Grown Crops

“45Z guidance should provide farmers with maximum flexibility to implement a wide range of practices based on what works best for their farm.”
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) called on the Trump administration to continue their support of the biofuel industry by ensuring the final 45Z clean fuel production credit rule recognizes a wide array of on-farm practices and truly puts Iowa farmers first.
After the Biden administration failed to deliver certainty for biofuel producers, the lawmakers applauded the Trump administration for its interagency work to develop this guidance.
“45Z was designed to add value to farmers’ crops and expand domestic production of clean, homegrown biofuels. Still, its success depends on clear, workable rules allowing farmers and biofuel producers to meaningfully participate—clarity the Biden administration repeatedly failed to provide,”wrote the lawmakers.
“As this rule is finalized, it is critical the final rule clearly identifies the types of on-farm conservation practices capable of generating lower-carbon feedstocks and ultimately qualifying for a premium under 45Z. Examples of these practices include, but are not limited to no-till, cover crops, strip till, manure application, and optimized fertilizer use,”the lawmakers continued.
“Delivering this outcome after years of mismanagement under the previous administration will be a clear win for U.S. farmers and demonstrate the Trump administration’s commitment to a stronger rural America.”the lawmakers concluded.
Read the letterhere.
Background:
Ernst helped introduce theFarmer First Fuel Incentives Act,which is part of the Republican-passedWorking Families Tax Cuts Actthat is now law to extend the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit to 2029, remove arbitrary environmental penalties against American farmers, and ensure domestic feedstocks are prioritized for biofuel production.
In January 2025, Ernstblastedthe Biden administration for late, incomplete guidance on 45Z that left Iowa farmers and biofuel producers with little to no certainty. This delayed guidance came nearly six months after ErnstprovidedBiden-era officials with a clear timeline and direction for how to create guidelines for the 45Z credit, which was ultimately ignored.
More broadly, Ernst has been a leadingadvocatefor homegrown, Iowa biofuels, securing access to E15 for the summer driving months, whilecontinuingthecallfor permanent, nationwide availability that would lower costs at the pump and increase demand for Iowa crops.
Last month, Ernstapplaudedthe Trump administration for advancing much-needed certainty for farmers, biofuel producers, and consumers by unveiling its proposed 45Z rule.
###