Biofuels Vision Solidified for Nikki Haley

DES MOINES, IOWA – Nikki Haley is now the second candidate currently campaigning in Iowa for the Republican nomination to take a positive position on all eight topics vital to the future of Iowa farmers and biofuels producers. Haley was recently asked by a voter about the battle over carbon intensity scoring and she pledged to look into the issue and respond. A few days later Haley issued a statement supporting the U.S. Argonne National Laboratory GREET model over a European model that unfairly discriminates against farm products.

“Amb. Haley has shown she is dedicated to listening to Iowa farmers, learning and educating herself about the promise biofuels hold for the future,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Vice President Brad Wilson, the president/general manager of Western Iowa Energy, a biodiesel producing company, headquartered in Wall Lake, Iowa. “We appreciate her support on the key issues facing farmers and biofuels producers. With the right leadership, the Midwest can play a prominent role in meeting America’s energy needs.”

“We commend Nikki Haley for showing her support for biofuels like biodiesel, and in particular for standing up for the Renewable Fuel Standard, which is one of the most successful energy policies in U.S. history,” said Grant Kimberley, Senior Director of Market Development for the Iowa Soybean Association and Executive Director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. “It’s vital that the person serving as president understands the contributions that biofuels make not only to Iowa’s economy and farm families, but to the nation at large through a cleaner, more diverse energy supply produced here at home.”

“We know ethanol is at the forefront of the fuel market as a leader in sustainability, that’s why the support of the U.S. Argonne National Laboratory GREET model is of such importance by presidential candidates like Nikki Haley,” said Jolene Riessen, a farmer from Ida Grove and the Iowa Corn Growers Association President. “By incorporating a fairer playing field when it comes to renewable fuels, we can gain the recognition we deserve as farmers for producing America’s homegrown, more affordable, readily available fuel option – ethanol.” 

While Iowa is home to first-in-the-nation caucuses, it is also the leading state in biofuel production. In 2022, Iowa produced 4.5 billion gallons of ethanol and 349 million gallons of biodiesel. Those production levels accounted for nearly $7.2 billion of Iowa’s gross domestic product, generated $3.5 billion of income for Iowa households and supported more than 57,000 jobs throughout the Iowa economy.

Haley follows Gov. Ron DeSantis in adopting a biofuels vision as they campaign for the Republican nomination. As of today, all Republican candidates who are actively campaigning in Iowa support a growing role for biofuels and a permanent national year-round E15 fix, while opposing laws and regulations that directly or indirectly mandate electric vehicle (EV) purchases. Information on all eight priority issues and where candidates stand can be found at Biofuelsvision.com. 

“While we are excited that two candidates have taken positive positions on all eight of our priority issues, there is still time for other candidates to join them prior to the First-in-the-Nation Iowa Caucuses on January 15,” said Wilson.

Biofuels Vision 2024 is a coalition of Iowa organizations and citizens who are committed to educating candidates in both parties about the importance of renewable fuels to Iowa and other likeminded states across the Midwest. The coalition will highlight the vital role renewable fuels plays in national security and energy policy while supporting goals to improve our environment. For more information, visit the Biofuels Vision website at Biofuelsvision.com.

Not funded by the soybean checkoff. 

For More Information:

Logan Shine, Biofuels Vision