Ernst Earns Bioeconomy Champion Award

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) earned the Plant Based Products Council’s (PBPC) inaugural Congressional Bioeconomy Champion Award for her long-standing leadership in expanding markets for products made from American-grown crops. From detergents and plastics to asphalt, shoes, and industrial materials, the bioeconomy turns Iowa-grown crops like corn and soybeans into everyday products traditionally made from petroleum. Ernst’s Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act helps grow these markets by supporting American innovation and manufacturing while modernizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s BioPreferred Program to encourage the use of biobased products. “In Iowa, we have a unique understanding of the ways biobased innovation adds value to our communities and businesses,” said Ernst . “I’m honored to receive this award for my work championing policies that support biobased manufacturing so our state can continue leading the way in our growing ag bioeconomy.” “Senators Ernst and Klobuchar have been extraordinary champions for America’s bioeconomy and for the industries, farmers, innovators, and manufacturers driving it forward,” said James Glueck, PBPC Executive Director . “Their bipartisan leadership helped lay the foundation for many of the policies and initiatives that are shaping the future of biobased manufacturing and agricultural innovation today. Their work has created lasting momentum that will continue to influence the next generation of lawmakers and bioeconomy leaders for years to come.” ###