U.S. Senator Joni Ernst called on Mar. 10 for Congress to make year-round E15, a higher ethanol blend, permanently available in order to expand domestic markets and increase the use of homegrown biofuels. Ernst made her remarks during a Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing, emphasizing the importance of energy security and affordable fuel prices.
The push for permanent E15 is significant because it aims to strengthen American energy independence while supporting agricultural producers. Ernst said Congress “should be looking at every opportunity” to boost biofuel consumption, adding that “energy security is national security, and higher ethanol blends can help keep gas prices affordable here at home.”
Jed Bower, President of the National Corn Growers Association, agreed with Ernst’s position during the hearing. “This is a prime time to bring that strength and domestic production up so we’re less reliant on all the foreign countries. It’s so much better. We grow a product here. We can produce it here.We can burn it here. It’s a perfect opportunity for the American farmer and the American people,” Bower said.
Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, also voiced support by saying, “E15 is a no brainer. It’s a win, win, win. It’s a win for consumers. Win for the farmer.”
Ernst highlighted her ongoing efforts through initiatives like 45Z and urged federal agencies to collaborate on rules that recognize diverse farming practices and prioritize farmers’ interests.
According to the official website, Ernst’s office handles constituent services such as casework and facilitating interactions with federal agencies according to the official website. She leads the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and participates in several other committees including Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs according to the official website. Her representation extends across Iowa according to the official website, where she was elected as both Iowa’s first female U.S. senator and first female combat veteran in that body according to the official website.
Looking ahead, Ernst continues working toward securing permanent year-round E15 availability following an earlier announcement by President Trump in Iowa this year.