(Ethanol at Gas Pump - KIWA Staff Photo)Iowa (RI) — Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw says he expects Iowa’s new congressional delegation to remain supportive of ethanol and other biofuels, even as Democrats will hold a majority of the state’s congressional seats next year.
Iowa voters elected five new members to serve in Congress, including four Democrats.
Shaw says there are areas where lawmakers from both parties have common ground, particularly on policies that support low-carbon fuels and encourage conservation practices on farms.
Shaw described outgoing members of Iowa’s congressional delegation as longtime “champions” of ethanol policy and says newly elected members may need time to develop the same level of expertise and involvement.
Shaw says it remains to be seen how strongly Governor-elect Rob Sand will advocate for biofuels, but he notes Sand visited ethanol facilities during the campaign and expressed support for the industry.
Shaw says the ethanol industry was relieved by the reelection of Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig. His opponent, Democrat Chris Jones, questioned the environmental benefits of ethanol and called for shifting away from ethanol production as a way to boost the diversity of crops grown in Iowa.
Iowa is home to 42 ethanol plants that produce about 28% of the nation’s ethanol supply, although production levels have remained relatively flat during the past three years.
