Northwest Iowa — Here in northwest Iowa, renewable fuels have a big impact on the local economy. Between corn production and area ethanol plants, northwest Iowans have a large vested interest in renewable fuels.
Many ethanol industry officials say they are concerned that President-elect Donald Trump has selected people who have strong ties to “Big Oil” to fill key administration posts. Those include former Texas Governor Rick Perry for energy secretary, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt for EPA administrator, and ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. But, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen says he’s not overly concerned. He says all that really matters is who is in charge.
Iowa is the nation’s top producer of ethanol, with much of it being produced here in northwest Iowa. Dinneen says he’s confident the Trump administration will be pro-ethanol.
Earlier this month, Governor Terry Branstad also expressed confidence the new Trump administration will be pro-ethanol. Branstad said while he’s “concerned” about the fact Pruitt is from an oil-producing state, the governor was “reassured” about the appointment in a meeting with Trump. Branstad says the first thing Trump told him is, ‘don’t worry about (Pruitt), he’s going to be for ethanol.
