Iowa Congressional Delegation Calls On Biden Administration To Strengthen Biofuel Support As Fuel Prices Soar

Iowa’s congressional delegation sent a bipartisan letter Tuesday to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Michael Regan, urging the Biden Administration to pursue energy independence as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues and domestic fuel prices hit record highs. Senators, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Representatives, Randy Feenstra, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Ashley Hinson, and Cindy Axne, encourage policymakers to strongly consider biofuels as a critical part of reaching that goal. They write, “According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Russia ranks as the world’s third-largest producer of petroleum and other liquid fuels, producing an average of 10.5 million barrels per day in 2020. The United States and our allies across the globe are now looking to decrease our reliance on Russian oil. As conflict continues in the region, we urge the Biden administration to expand the production and potential export of domestic ethanol and biodiesel to meet global energy needs.” According to Iowa lawmakers, ethanol and other biofuels strengthen our national security while also meeting the Biden Administration’s climate goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions. President Biden announced Tuesday the cessation of all Russian oil imports. The Iowa delegation suggests the nation make up a portion of the supply difference through biofuels and other domestic energy sources. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was $4.10 as of Tuesday. A copy of their full letter can be found included below.