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Iowa passed a bill to increase availability of E15, a critical component of increasing our energy independence and addressing climate change. And it’s Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week—we explain what it is and why knowledge and R&D matter. (570 words, 2 minutes, 51 seconds) |
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Iowa passes bill to increase availability of green fuels |
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A leader in promoting biofuels, the Iowa Legislature passed a bill last week that would require all gas stations in the state to carry E15 by 2026.
What’s in the bill:House File 2128 requires gasoline retailers in Iowa to advertise and sell E15 from at least one pump, and from 50% of all of their pumps, by 2026. An earlier version was modified to allow waivers for some retailers in order to pass the Senate, according to the Des Moines Register.
The bill has a lot of support—passing by big margins in the Iowa Senate (42-3) and House (81-13), and it’s been promoted by Gov. Kim Reynolds, a supporter of biofuels, who plans to sign it.
E15 is gasoline blended with 10.5% to 15% ethanol, according to the EPA. It has been touted as an essential resource to free America from dependence on fossil fuels from Russia—or anywhere else.
E15 has been getting a boost nationwide. President Biden last month announced rules to allow greater use of E15 during a trip to BIO member POET in Iowa, a move supported by Iowa lawmakers, biofuel producers, and farmers.
Biden used the announcement to promote sustainable aviation fuel tax credits, too—something BIO strongly supports to address energy independence and climate change.
What they’re saying: “This is a historic win for Iowa families, for our agriculture and biofuels industry, and for Iowa’s entire economy. By increasing access to more affordable, homegrown biofuels made right here in Iowa, we are lowering the price at the pump and getting America back on track toward energy independence,” says Gov. Reynolds. More Agriculture and Environment News:
CNN: White House will host first food insecurity conference in 50 years
“President Joe Biden will convene a White House conference in September focused on ending hunger and improving nutrition across the nation, a White House official told CNN, as the US sees higher rates of food insecurity amid the coronavirus pandemic.”
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Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week highlights need for knowledge, R&D |
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More than half a million Americans are affected by tardive dyskinesia, a rare condition affecting motion that can occur when taking neuroleptic drugs to address serious psychiatric or gastrointestinal conditions—and awareness and research are key.
What is tardive dyskinesia? It’s “characterized by involuntary and abnormal movements of the jaw, lips and tongue, and arms or legs are sometimes affected, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
Who is at risk? Those who must take antipsychotic medications over long periods of time have a 20-50% chance of developing tardive dyskinesia. “African-American, Asian-American, people with diabetes and individuals over 55 are at a greater risk,” says the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Despite the risk, doctors don’t recommend patients quit neuroleptic drugs—because they address serious conditions including bipolar disorder, depression, schizoaffective disorder, or anxiety disorder.
But “second-generation” antipsychotic medications have lower risk rates,says NAMI—and two drugs to treat tardive dyskinesia were approved in 2017, though more research is needed.
What they're saying: "We are proud to support Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week for the fifth straight year. With mental health continuing to be a significant challenge, it is important to include TD in the conversation because of the emotional and social consequences this disorder can have for patients already living with mental health issues," said Dr. Eiry W. Roberts, Chief Medical Officer at Neurocrine Biosciences, which has developed an advocacy toolkit and website talkabouttd.com.
Learn more about Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.
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President Biden’s Wednesday: Delivering a speech about the economy and deficit, including “critical investments to boost the capacity of our economy and lower costs for American families–essentials like prescription drugs, health care, and utility bills,” Reuters reports. He’ll also host the 2022 and 2020 USA Olympic teams.
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: Senate Appropriations subcommittees will hold hearings on the 2023 budget for several agencies, including Health and Human Services, Energy, and the Forest Service. The House is in recess. |
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