More than 20 members of Congress, led by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL), sent a letter this week to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai asking her to prioritize ethanol export competitiveness and address unfair import tariffs imposed on American ethanol by Brazil.

The letter highlighted the importance of biofuel and ethanol production for rural communities throughout the country and how recently announced import tariffs by Brazil on American ethanol would negatively impact American agriculture, which previously received duty-free treatment from Brazil.

In the letter, the Members wrote in part, “We believe the double layer issue of a tariff imbalance and an impenetrable RenovaBio is unjustified and puts American ethanol and farmers at risk. We strongly urge you to prioritize American ethanol export competitiveness in the Brazilian market by addressing these unfair policies. Further, if Brazil continues with its unfair treatment of American ethanol, we stand ready to work with you to consider measures that protect U.S. farmers and biofuels producers and counter these unfair trade practices.”

Bipartisan supporters from ethanol states including Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, and Wisconsin signed the letter, but it was interestingly also signed by Rep. Mike Lawler, a freshman Republican from New York.