PAGE COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today applauded Iowa innovation during remarks at the Green Plains Clean Sugar Grand Opening. The first-of-its-kind facility will produce dextrose and glucose syrups with an efficient environmental footprint and create numerous new jobs. Gov. Kim Reynolds, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig also spoke.
Download photos HERE. Grassley’s remarks follow.
“When people in Washington ask me about Iowa ethanol – and, even when they don’t ask – I tell them four things: First, biofuels are good for the environment. Second, biofuels are easier on consumers’ pocketbooks. Third, biofuels help reduce our reliance on foreign energy sources. Finally, 58,000 good-paying jobs in small towns were created through the biofuels industry. All positives and no negatives. In other words, ethanol is good, good, good.
“As the number one corn producer and number two soybean producer, Iowa is ready to feed and fuel the world. But only if the federal government gets out of the way and lets you – Iowa’s outstanding producers – do what you do best. Current federal regulations are not boosting opportunities for Iowa ethanol.
“Take the issue of year-round E15. Governor Reynolds led a petition to secure uninterrupted E15 for eight states. The Biden administration approved that petition with a caveat: it won’t go into effect until 2025. I’ve heard rumors the Biden administration could further prolong that timeline. Farmers, producers like you, and retailers need as much certainty as possible. That’s why I’ve got a bipartisan bill to permanently authorize year-round, nationwide E15.
“Another issue Iowans are concerned about, and that I’m focused on, is GREET Model implementation. Sustainable Aviation Fuels could be a significant market for biofuel producers. But the Biden administration’s new guidance has so many complex requirements that no one’s going to want to participate. I’ll keep working to get this straightened out.
“Despite these kinds of hurdles, Iowa adapts and innovates.
“By combining wet and dry mill capabilities at commercial scale, your facility will be the industry-wide blueprint. My understanding is your glucose product is up to 40 percent less carbon intensive than alternatives. That’s a major competitive edge. And, you’ve created over a dozen jobs – a clear benefit for the local economy.
“Before, I listed four items I tell Washington bureaucrats about Iowa ethanol. Now, I’ll have a fifth to add to the list: They ought to check out the new Clean Sugar Technology in Fremont County.
“Thank you for being pioneers in your field. Representative government is a two-way street. I want to hear from you, and I look forward to future updates on your facility.”
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