U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, is working across the aisle with Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar on two bipartisan bills that could have a big impact for Iowa farmers and rural communities.
The first, the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act, aims to boost the use of renewable, biobased products made from major Iowa commodities, corn and soybeans. The bill would modernize the USDA’s BioPreferred Program, creating new markets for ag products and promoting rural manufacturing jobs.
Ernst and Klobuchar are also co-sponsoring the Ethanol for America Act, which seeks to remove red tape around E15 fuel. The legislation would confirm that current gas station equipment is compatible with E15 and clarify labeling to make it more consumer-friendly. Supporters say it would cut costs at the pump and support Iowa’s biofuels industry.
Ernst says both bills are about creating value for Iowa-grown crops, supporting local jobs, and reducing dependence on foreign-made fuels and materials.
Both news releases can be found here.
