“On behalf of our nation’s ethanol industry, we congratulate Donald Trump on his election as our next president. We share his vision for putting American energy first, stimulating growth in domestic production, lowering fuel costs for consumers, and restoring balance and fairness in the global trade of energy commodities,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper.
During his first term as President, Trump voiced support for ethanol and specifically pushed for nationwide year-round availability of E15, the lower-cost fuel blend containing 15 percent ethanol. “More American ethanol production also means less dependence on foreign suppliers,” he said during a June 2019 visit to RFA member plant Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, in Council Bluffs. “By fully embracing E15, we will reduce dependence on foreign oil by up to 250 million additional barrels every single year. Quite simply, it means more energy. And what can be wrong with that?”
Listen to Trump’s remarks in 2019 – President Donald Trump at SIRE ethanol plant
National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. said they look forward to working with the new administration and members of Congress to advance policy that is important to corn farmers. “We especially appreciate President Trump’s recognition that homegrown fuels, like ethanol, are important for our nation’s energy security and rural economies. We are also eager to work with his administration and Congress to enact improved farm policies and programs, expand market opportunities and build on the tax policies enacted during President Trump’s first term that are beneficial to corn farmers as they face a challenging financial outlook with low prices and high costs.”
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw said they look forward to partnering with President Trump and his administration to get the rural economy back on track by boosting demand for American biofuels.“Just days before the election, President Trump stated: ‘I love the farmers, and they love me.’ And the election results clearly show that after an unprecedented two-year drop in farm income, rural America and farmers put their faith in President Trump to turn this around,” said Shaw. “There is much President Trump can do during his first 100 days to help farmers and biofuels producers, including nationwide, year-round E15 and providing clarity on energy incentives for biodiesel producers.”
Trump made an appearance at the 10th Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in 2016 when he ran for president the first time.