U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined President Trump at the White House on March 27 to celebrate National Ag Week and Iowa Ag Week, honoring American farmers, ranchers, and producers for their contributions to food and fuel production.
The event gathered nearly 1,000 farmers on the South Lawn as President Trump announced that the Environmental Protection Agency had finalized its 2026-27 biofuel blending requirements at record-high levels. He also called on Congress to pass legislation ensuring year-round E15 availability and a five-year Farm Bill.
Senator Ernst said, “I can think of no better way to wrap up two weeks of honoring Iowa farmers than by elevating their voices and values to the highest levels. Today’s announcement underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to upholding the vital role homegrown biofuels and Iowa agriculture play in lowering fuel prices and bolstering our nation’s energy independence. After years of work to support our farmers and producers, I’m thrilled to have helped deliver the highest levels of biofuel blends for our nation’s fuel supply and strengthen the integrity of the RFS to create an even more prosperous rural America. My work doesn’t stop here, and I’ll continue to press for a modernized five-year Farm Bill and ensure Congress sends a bill to the president’s desk that secures permanent, year-round E15.”
Earlier this year, Ernst urged the EPA to raise Renewable Volume Obligation levels for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels. She later praised proposed record volumes from the agency while urging continued support for American farmers over electric vehicle mandates.
Ernst has introduced legislation such as the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act within broader bills aimed at extending clean fuel tax credits and prioritizing domestic feedstocks for biofuel production. She has also worked toward securing summer access—and ultimately permanent nationwide availability—of E15 gasoline blends.
Beyond her legislative efforts in agriculture, Ernst’s office assists Iowans with federal agency matters such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration issues, and military affairs according to her official website. She served over 23 years in the Iowa Army National Guard—including during Operation Iraqi Freedom—and became both Iowa’s first woman elected federally as well as its first female combat veteran in Congress according to her official website. Raised on a family farm in Montgomery County where she learned values of hard work according to her official website, Ernst holds degrees from Iowa State University (bachelor’s) and Columbus State University (master’s), serves on multiple Senate committees focused on fiscal responsibility according to her official website.
The announcement signals ongoing efforts by lawmakers like Ernst who advocate expanding opportunities for rural communities through agricultural policy changes.
