President Trump re-affirms Administration support for biofuels in two Iowa speeches

In Iowa, in remarks to Iowa ag leaders at Kirkwood Community College and again at his Cedar Rapids rally, President Donald Trump reiterated his support for American renewable fuels.  His remarks come as several issues vital to the future of renewable fuels are pending within his administration.

At Kirkwood the President said:

“We’re here today to talk about how we’re going to empower America’s farmers and protect our nation’s proud farming legacy, including ethanol, which I’ve done. Family farmers are the backbone of America, and my administration will always support the farmer. We want to eliminate the intrusive rules that undermine your ability to earn a living, and we will protect the corn-based ethanol and biofuels that power our country. And you remember, during the campaign, I made that promise.”

At Cedar Rapids the President said:

“We’re saving your ethanol industry in the state of Iowa just like I promised I would do in my campaign. And believe me, they are under siege. I said that I was going to protect your ethanol for good reason, only for good reason, and it was very important to me. I said that I was going to do things for the people of Iowa. And I want to let you know, I’ve done it for the people of Iowa, but I’ve really done it for the people of our country. Our country is getting stronger. It’s getting better. We’re going to be setting records in so many different ways.”

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw commented,

“Now it is time for action. President Trump’s EPA needs to release the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes for 2018. That proposal needs to maintain ethanol levels at the statutory 15 billion gallons and should include a major boost in the biodiesel number to reflect reality in the marketplace. The Trump EPA needs to knock down the summertime barrier standing between consumers and lower-cost, higher-octane E15.  The Trump trade team needs to continue standing by the biodiesel industry in fighting against unfair and illegally subsidized imports that shut down US biodiesel plants. And President Trump and his new Ambassador to China, Iowa’s own Terry Branstad, must knock down the illegal barriers China has thrown up to keep out American ethanol and distillers grains.