WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today joined Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) to introduce a bipartisan resolution designating May 2024 as Renewable Fuels Month.

“Iowa is a pioneer in renewable fuels. As our nation looks to embrace an all-the-above energy portfolio, biofuels will make up a greater share of that equation,” Grassley said. “This resolution recognizes the farmers, producers and innovators who work hard to get these environmentally-conscious fuels to market. It also calls attention to the broader economic advantages renewables bring to the table, including job opportunities in America's Heartland and cost efficiency for consumers coast to coast.”

“Biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel are a win for Nebraska and a win for America,” Ricketts said. “This resolution recognizes the essential role renewable fuels play in lowering prices for consumers, reducing our impact on the environment, supporting rural communities, and lessening our reliance on foreign adversaries. I want to thank this bipartisan group of colleagues for their support and call on all Americans to continue choosing renewable fuels.”

“As the top ethanol and biodiesel producing state, biofuels are a vital part of Iowa’s economy,” Ernst said. “I’m proud of the Iowa farmers and producers who are growing the crops needed to provide consumers with access to cleaner, more affordable choices at the pump. As Biden pursues a radical electric vehicle fantasy, I will continue fighting to boost renewable fuels, support our rural communities, and reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries.”

Grassley, Ricketts and Ernst are joined by Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn,), Tina Smith (D-Minn,) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). 

The resolution has support from Clean Fuels Alliance America and Growth Energy, along with the following Iowa groups.

“Renewable Fuels Month is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on how ethanol and biodiesel power America's rural economy and enhance U.S. energy dominance. While doing this in May is great, IRFA members appreciate how Sen. Grassley and the entire Iowa delegation treat every day like renewable fuels day,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). 

"As farmers, we want to see an increase in corn demand and as consumers we want more affordable prices at the pump. With renewable fuels we have the best of both worlds, whether a farmer or consumer, you’re benefiting at the pump, and our state’s benefiting economically” said Jolene Riessen a farmer from Ida Grove, Iowa, and the Iowa Corn Growers Association President. “By promoting renewable fuels we can offer our consumers a cleaner, burning, more affordable fuel option and support local while doing so."

“The nation’s approach to energy is changing, and the future of renewable fuels is bright,” said Dave Walton, a Muscatine County farmer and board member of the Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Biodiesel Board and Clean Fuels Alliance America. “Cleaner-burning solutions like biodiesel provide immediate benefits to our environment, economy and more. We look forward to continue working with Sen. Grassley and others to grow opportunities for renewables.”

Background:

Grassley is working to reduce barriers to entry for producers seeking to contribute to Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). He’s long pushed for broad federal adoption of the GREET Model – a scientific formula the Department of Energy developed for assessing lifecycle emissions. The Biden administration last month politicized the GREET Model, requiring farmers to adopt three climate-smart growing methods for their products to qualify for SAF tax credits under the GREET Model. Among other ramifications, this will restrict farmers’ market prospects and hamper SAF progress. Grassley yesterday joined Fox Business to amplify Iowans’ concerns about the Biden administration’s modified GREET Model and explain to Washington bureaucrats how farmers raise their corn and soybeans.

Grassley in April helped secure a 2024 summertime waiver to ensure drivers can continue pumping E15 this season. To solidify certainty for producers, retailers and drivers alike, Grassley is leading a bipartisan bill to make permanently available ethanol blends higher than 10 percent.

Grassley spearheaded the 2003 Energy Bill, which contained nearly $15.5 billion in tax incentives for Iowa-grown energy and helped develop the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Since then, he has stood up for biofuels and the RFS, calling out the Environmental Protection Agency regardless of administration. Last year, Grassley participated in a question-and-answer session on “Clean Energy in Farm Country.” He highlighted his efforts to restore RFS integrity and maintain its blending requirements.

Growth Energy, the National Corn Growers Association and the American Clean Power Organization have acknowledged Grassley for his leadership and continued contributions.  

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