Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a staunch supporter of the agriculture and biofuels industries, on Sept. 2 announced she will not seek reelection next year. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Iowa Biodiesel Board, and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship have spoken out to commend her leadership in renewable fuels.&nbsp;Ernst has served in the U.S. Senate since 2015 and is the first female combat veteran to serve in the chamber. Ernst currently serves on several Senate committees, including the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, Natural Resources and Biotechnology; and is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy and Credit. Over the past decade, Ernst has championed numerous renewable fuel initiatives, including those related to E15 availability, biofuels infrastructure, renewable fuel tax incentives and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).The IRFA honored her advocacy for agriculture. “From the Iowa Senate to U.S. Senate, Sen. Ernst has been a relentless champion for renewable fuels and farmers,” said Monte Shaw, executive director of the IRFA. “Her dedication to expanding access to renewable fuels and defending Iowa’s agricultural economy has made a real difference. Sen. Ernst was literally the tip of the spear in defending the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) from refinery exemptions and in pushing for year-round E15. However, it’s important to remember she’s not done yet. Congress must pass year-round E15 this year to provide farmers a lifeline during these difficult times. Plus, her recent bill to update fuel retailer compatibility standards could take years off of the transition to E15. On behalf of all IRFA members, I sincerely thank Senator Ernst for her service and wish her the best in her next chapter.”&nbsp;The IBB stressed Ernst has left a lasting mark on biodiesel and rural Iowa. “We congratulate Senator Joni Ernst on her service in the Senate and express heartfelt appreciation for her unwavering support of biodiesel producers, soybean farmers and rural&nbsp;communities,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of the IBB. “She has a deep understanding that homegrown clean fuels like biodiesel are vital to Iowa’s economy and American energy security, and her leadership has ensured that the voice of our industry was heard loud and clear in Washington.“From fighting to uphold and grow the Renewable Fuel Standard to leading efforts on the critical federal biodiesel tax incentive, Senator Ernst consistently stood with rural Iowa,” he continued. “Her advocacy made a real difference for farmers, producers and consumers alike. She has helped safeguard markets for Iowa soybeans, defend rural jobs and champion cleaner air through greater use of renewable fuels. Those impacts will be felt long after her time in the Senate.“While her departure closes a significant chapter, it also sets the stage for new leadership and renewed opportunity,” Kimberley added. “We are grateful for the foundation she helped build and we look forward to continuing our work with another key champion, Senator Chuck Grassley, as well as with Iowa’s next generation of senators to advance biodiesel as a solution.”Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig also praised Ernst’s for her work in agriculture. “Sen. Ernst has been a tireless advocate for Iowa, and a strong voice for our farmers, rural communities, and all who call this state home,” Naig said. “From expanding markets for biofuels to championing rural small businesses and fighting burdensome federal regulations, she has never stopped working to make sure Iowa’s values and priorities are heard in Washington.&nbsp;While I’m sad to see her step away, I’m grateful for her service, her leadership, and her friendship, and I wish her the very best in her next chapter.”

large_ErnstAug25.jpg

medium_ErnstAug25.jpg

small_ErnstAug25.jpg

thumbnail_ErnstAug25.jpg

ErnstAug25.jpg

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a staunch supporter of the agriculture and biofuels industries, on Sept. 2 announced she will not seek reelection next year. IRFA and IBB have spoken out to commend her leadership in renewable fuels. 

Biofuel stakeholders honor Ernst following announcement she will not seek reelection

Related Stories

EPA again delivers ‘Set 2’ RFS proposed rule to White House OMB

Progress is Rarely Linear

Big Beautiful Bill Could Constrain SAF Market Potential

New York agency opens funding opportunity for low-carbon fuel projects

EPA seeks comments on nominees to fill Science Advisory Board

Upcoming Events

North American SAF Conference & Expo

2026 International Biomass Conference & Expo

Biofuel stakeholders honor Ernst following announcement she will not seek reelection .css-7jxktu{position:absolute;bottom:0px;left:0px;right:0px;height:3px;border-radius:3px;background-color:var(--chakra-colors-brandBlack);}