As federal agencies continue working through the rulemaking process for the 45Z clean fuel production credit, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says the final guidance must reflect the work farmers are already doing on the ground.
She says she and Senator Chuck Grassley have been actively engaging with federal agencies to make sure the policy delivers for Iowa agriculture.
Ernst says one of the biggest concerns is that early drafts of the rule did not fully account for conservation practices already widely used by farmers.
She says that includes practices like no till, cover crops, and optimized fertilizer use, which have been implemented across Iowa for years.
Ernst says those practices play a direct role in improving soil health and capturing carbon, and they should be recognized within the 45Z framework.
She adds that getting the policy right will not only impact farmers, but also biofuels producers who rely on those crops and practices as part of their supply chain.
Beyond 45Z, Ernst continues to advocate for year-round access to E15, especially as fuel prices remain a concern for consumers.
She says promoting Iowa biofuels remains a priority, particularly during times of global uncertainty impacting energy markets.
Ernst says expanding access to E15 provides immediate benefits at the pump, while also strengthening demand for corn and supporting the state’s biofuels industry.
