Sen. Scott lays out clear, complete biofuels vision

Of the presidential candidates campaigning in Iowa for the Republican nomination, Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, is the first to take a positive position on all eight topics vital to the future of Iowa farmers and biofuels producers, according to Biofuels Vision 2024.

“IRFA members thank Sen. Scott for taking the time to travel across Iowa, tour a biofuels plant, and talk with farmers,” said Brad Wilson, vice president of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and president and general manager of the Western Iowa Energy biodiesel plant. “Scott clearly understands the importance of biofuels for the future of agriculture and rural America.”

Grant Kimberley, the senior director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association and executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, added, “Iowa’s soybean growers and biodiesel producers appreciate Sen. Scott’s expressed support for federal policy priorities that are crucial to continued growth of our markets. We applaud Sen. Scott for taking the lead in recognizing the contribution our industry makes to Iowa’s economic health and to the incomes of farm families across the state. The biodiesel/soybean industry adds 13 percent to the net market value of Iowa and U.S. soybeans and supports opportunities for over 7,200 Iowa workers and voters.”

Iowa Corn Growers Association President Jolene Riessen said, “Presidential candidate Tim Scott acknowledging the benefits of ethanol and the areas in which we can improve market access is only the tip of the iceberg. Ethanol provides Iowans with an avenue of economic growth and impact nationwide, and as corn farmers we want to know our next president has our back when it comes to this sustainable, homegrown fuel option.”

Just as 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.

Currently, 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 can be found at www.biofuelsvision.com.

“While Sen. Scott deserves due credit for being first, there is plenty of time for other candidates to join him in supporting pro-biofuels positions that enhance American energy security and support good-paying Iowa jobs,” Wilson said.

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

The coalition does not endorse or rank candidates.

Biofuels Vision 2024 is a coalition of Iowa organizations and citizens who are committed to educating candidates in both parties about the importance of renewable fuels to Iowa and other likeminded states across the Midwest.

The coalition will highlight the vital role renewable fuels plays in national security and energy policy while supporting goals to improve the environment.