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Zachary Nunn
Republican·Iowa

Nunn Presses EPA to Protect Iowa Biofuel Demand After Small Refinery Exemption Decision

Subscribe For Newsletter Updates! M About Blog News Priorities Issues Sponsored Legislation SHARE YOUR OPINION: 2025 Farm Bill SHARE YOUR OPINION: What are your priorities? 21 County Tours Serving You Get help with a Federal Agency Service Academy Nominations Visit DC Grant Program Application Internships Commendations and Greetings Congressional App Challenge Purchase a Flag Help for Veterans Mobile Office Hours Iowa Medal of Merit Contact Email Zach Get E-Mail Updates Office Locations Website Problem Follow Follow Follow Follow Sep 1, 2026 | News , Press Releases Nunn Presses EPA to Protect Iowa Biofuel Demand After Small Refinery Exemption Decision WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) released the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday announced its 2025 Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) decisions along with a plan to reallocate the Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) from the exempted biofuel volumes — protecting the demand that Iowa’s farmers and biofuel producers built rather than letting it disappear. “Iowa’s farmers and biofuel producers built the most productive renewable fuel economy in the world, and I wasn’t going to stand by while Washington let that demand vanish,” said Rep. Nunn . “I pushed the EPA to make sure the gallons exempted this year get reallocated instead of erased, because every gallon of ethanol and biodiesel starts as a bushel of Iowa corn or a row of Iowa soybeans, and every gallon we produce domestically is one American consumers don’t have to pay a higher price for from a supplier overseas.” For years, these exemptions have allowed small refineries to avoid their renewable fuel obligations without fully accounting for the lost gallons, cutting directly into the market for Iowa-grown ethanol and biodiesel. Before Monday’s decision, Rep. Nunn joined the Iowa delegation in pushing the EPA to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard and ensure any exemptions granted would not come at the expense of Iowa producers. While the proposed reallocation would protect Iowa’s biofuel demand, Rep. Nunn made clear the work is not finished until EPA finalizes the rule and holds the Renewable Fuel Standard whole. “Washington shouldn’t give with one hand and take away with the other,” continued Rep. Nunn . “If EPA grants refinery exemptions, those gallons need to be fully restored, and Congress needs to finish the job on permanent year-round E15. I’ll keep pushing the administration and the Senate to deliver the certainty that Iowa producers deserve.” Iowa’s agriculture and biofuel leaders praised the reallocation and Rep. Nunn’s push to secure it: “Clean Fuels and our members greatly appreciate the swift and effective actions taken by Rep. Nunn and our other champions in Congress to stand up for the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance . “Without their support, our fuel producers and farmer partners would have faced another wave of unaccounted-for small refiner exemptions and the demand destruction they bring. We look forward to working with Rep. Nunn and the Administration to quickly finalize the supplemental rule that will restore these gallons and maintain the biomass-based diesel industry’s record-breaking production.” “Congressman Nunn and members of Congress from across the heartland were relentless in their efforts to protect a strong RFS for farmers and soybean processors across the country,” said Corey McCray, Vice President of Government Relations, National Oilseed Processors Association . “Their leadership and persistence truly made a difference, and we are grateful for their unwavering support of American agriculture.” “Iowa soybean farmers are fortunate to have strong advocates like Congressman Nunn in office who recognize that a strong RFS means a strong rural Iowa,” said Matt Herman, Chief Officer of Advocacy and Demand, Iowa Soybean Association . “The Congressman and the entire Iowa delegation demonstrated yet again that they are tireless advocates for Iowa’s soybean farmers. I look forward to continuing to work with the entire delegation to ensure the EPA finalizes their proposal to reallocate 100% of the lost volume.” ### Office Locations Des Moines Office 400 Locust Street Suite 250 Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: (515) 400-8180 Ottumwa Office 223 East Main Street Suite 1 Ottumwa, IA 52501 Phone: (641) 220-9641 Creston Office 208 W Taylor Street Creston, IA 50801 Phone: (641) 220-9093 Washington, DC Office 1410 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5476 Sign Up For Newsletter Updates Copyright Privacy House.gov Accessibility

Source: https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/01/nunn-presses-epa-to-protect-iowa-biofuel-demand-after-small-refinery-exemption-decision
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Record ID: e705b931-4803-4341-9d9e-2f842e44c47c

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