Gov. DeSantis champions a biofuels vision

DeSantis

Of the presidential candidates currently campaigning in Iowa for the Republican nomination, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is the only candidate to date that has taken a positive position on all eight topics vital to the future of Iowa farmers and biofuels producers.

DeSantis checked his last box during a question-and-answer session at the Poet ethanol plant near Menlo, Iowa, Dec. 18.

“On behalf of Iowa Renewable Fuels Association members, I want to thank Gov. DeSantis for taking the time to visit with Iowa farmers and tour multiple biofuel plants across the state as part of completing his ‘Full Grassley’ earlier this month,” IRFA President Al Giese, owner of Prairie Feed & Trucking and board member with Quad County Corn Processors. “During that time, Gov. DeSantis has learned a great deal, and he clearly understands the vital role agriculture and biofuels play in growing rural America. Just as important, Gov. DeSantis recognized the role biofuels can play in achieving U.S. energy security.”

Suzanne Shirbroun, president of the Iowa Soybean Association and soybean farmer from Farmersburg, Iowa, said, “Iowa’s soybean growers and biodiesel producers welcome Gov. DeSantis’ stated support for policy priorities crucial to continued growth of our biofuel markets. Biofuels are vital not just to Iowa, but to the nation at large as we move into a new era of a thriving U.S. bioeconomy.”

Jolene Riessen, a farmer from Ida Grove and president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, added, “Iowa’s corn farmers appreciate Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recognition of ethanol and its value to Iowa as a sustainable, homegrown fuel option. In Iowa we think about the four E’s of ethanol: economy, environment, energy security and engine performance—and with a presidential candidate’s support of policies like the Next Generation Fuels Act, many will recognize Iowa as a market leader of sustainable fuel.”

While Iowa is home to first-in-the-nation caucuses, it is also the leading state in biofuel production.

In 2022, Iowa produced 4.5 billion gallons of ethanol and 349 million gallons of biodiesel.

Those production levels accounted for nearly $7.2 billion of Iowa’s gross domestic product, generated $3.5 billion of income for Iowa households and supported more than 57,000 jobs throughout the Iowa economy.

As of today, all Republican candidates who are actively campaigning in Iowa support a growing role for biofuels and a permanent national year-round E15 fix, while opposing laws and regulations that directly or indirectly mandate electric vehicle (EV) purchases.

Information on all eight priority issues and where candidates stand can be found at www.biofuelsvision.com.

“Gov. DeSantis has burned the shoe leather to not only meet with our members but also to educate himself on these key issues,” Giese said. “As there is still time before the January caucus, I encourage other candidates to join him in supporting pro-biofuels positions that grow rural jobs, lower energy cost, and support America’s national security.”

Biofuels Vision 2024 is a coalition of Iowa organizations and citizens tracking candidates’ stances on eight issues vital to the future of biofuels and the Iowa economy.

The coalition does not endorse or rank candidates.

For more information about Biofuels Vision 2024, including background on the priority issues and an updated candidate position tracker, visit biofuelsvision.com.