The Iowa Biodiesel Board has expressed appreciation for Iowa US Representative Ashley Hinson’s leadership in spearheading a bipartisan letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), advocating for increased utilization of biofuels across the nation, reported Biofuels International.
Currently, the EPA is deliberating on volume obligations for the 2026 Renewable Fuel Standard. Co-written with Minnesota US Representative Angie Craig and endorsed by 37 representatives from both political parties, including all Iowa representatives, the letter urges the EPA to endorse volumes for biomass-based diesel and other advanced biofuels “that fully consider availability and production capacity, while ensuring an equivalent rise in overall renewable fuel volumes.”
Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, issued a statement commending Rep. Hinson for her efforts to push the EPA towards a more robust approach with biodiesel under the RFS.
“As emphasized in the letter, enhancing production, availability, and adoption of advanced biofuels is critical to achieving America’s decarbonization objectives and fostering economic opportunities within our communities. The EPA should significantly increase RFS volumes to reflect our nation’s expanded capacity for clean fuels like biodiesel. Failure to do so risks stifling growth in the renewable fuels sector, which is integral to Iowa’s economy and the livelihoods of our farmers.
“Already, one major Iowa biodiesel facility has closed in the past year—we must prevent further closures. We join legislators in urging the EPA to signal strong support for renewable fuel producers by viewing current RFS biodiesel volumes not as a cap, but as a springboard, while maintaining demand across all biofuels categories,” Kimberley further added.
