BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement raising Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels. The announcement also proposes strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by ensuring only liquid fuels are included, not electricity, and incentivizes domestic over foreign feedstocks.
“Under the Biden administration, four biodiesel plants in Iowa closed or idled in part because RVOs were set too low. Today, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin turned the ship around, delivering a victory for American energy security and following through on their promise to support American agriculture. Biofuels lower gas prices, strengthen national security and drive economic growth in rural communities. Today’s announcement is welcome news for Iowa farmers and biofuel producers,” Grassley said.
Background:
Since he helped establish the RFS in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Grassley has worked to ensure the executive branch implements the law as intended. Grassley also supported the Energy Independence Security Act of 2007, which included requirements for cellulosic ethanol and set a mandatory RFS requiring fuel producers to use at least 36 billion gallons of biofuel in 2022. Grassley pushed ensuing administrations to keep to this number. Last Congress, Grassley joined the No Fuel Credits for Batteries Act to nullify a proposed Biden-era E-RINS rule that props up the EV industry while devaluing incentives for ethanol and biodiesel expansion. Last year, Grassley joined a bicameral push to raise 2024-25 RVOs.
Iowans who want to express comments about the proposed rule can do so HERE.
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