We still don’t know who won the Iowa caucuses, but we do have some news from the Hawkeye State: Iowans are angry Trump undermined the biofuels industry, which gives an opening to whoever ultimately wins the Democratic nomination, reports Reuters.
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requires refineries to include a certain percentage of renewable fuel like biofuels in the mix to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
However: “Over the past two years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted more than 30 waivers to [biofuel] refineries, including facilities owned by Exxon Mobil and Chevron Corp, stoking the ire of farmers and spurring numerous meetings in which the White House has tried to placate growers’ anger,” says Reuters.
It’s especially hurt Iowa, the #1 ethanol-producing state, causing biofuels facilities to stop production, eliminate jobs, and even shut down entirely due to the waivers, making things even more difficult for farmers and rural economies already hit hard by the U.S.-China trade war.
What they’re saying: “In a speech last month to farmers in Texas, President Donald Trump won applause as he talked up recent U.S. trade agreements. When he tried to boast of his administration’s ethanol policy, however, he was met with silence,” says Reuters.
What it means for the election:Iowa went for Trump in 2016, but between biofuel policy and the trade war, it’s entirely possible the state could go for the Democrat in November.
Who will that be? Oh, we’ve got a long way to go. As of this writing, Iowa’s not reporting an official winner, though it’s likely to be a tight race between Sanders, Warren, and Buttigieg, with Biden, Klobuchar, and possibly Yang hanging in there, too.
What BIO’s doing: We’re continuing to push for low-carbon fuel standards and biofuels policy that supports farmers, the biofuels industry, and a renewable energy future, whoever wins.