Iowa biodiesel industry to Trump: Don’t leave us behind

Photo: The White House

President Trump held a rally in Clive, Iowa, Jan. 27 where he told attendees that Congress is “very close” to getting year-round approval for 15 percent ethanol.

“We thank President Trump for visiting Iowa, and we were encouraged to hear his strong support for ethanol, but we want to share the message that Iowa’s biodiesel producers need that same level of commitment right now,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board.

“While the president recognizes the importance of renewable fuels to Iowa’s economy, ongoing delays on the Renewable Fuel Standard volumes and 45Z guidance on tax incentives are forcing our independent, locally owned biodiesel plants to shut down or pause operations—and once they close, they may never reopen,” he added.

Kimberley said these plants aren’t just facilities.

“They represent local jobs, critical markets for Iowa soybean farmers, and energy independence built with rural capital and Iowa ingenuity,” he said.

“We need the Trump administration to finalize these rules immediately so our plants can survive, our farmers can thrive, and rural Iowa doesn’t get left behind in America’s energy future,” Kimberley noted.  

He thanked the president for his attention to these important issues for the biofuel and agriculture sectors.  

Kimberley also pointed out that the president visited a local restaurant before the rally and heard directly from attendees about the importance of domestic demand for soybeans and corn, including biodiesel and ethanol.