It was an eventful and historic week in Washington D.C. for many reasons, and members of the Renewable Fuels Association had a very busy and productive annual board meeting in the middle of everything else happening.

The event included meetings with EPA Administrator Michael Regan and USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, as well as Capitol Hill visits to the offices of lawmakers, including many of ethanol’s strongest advocates. Just to name a few – Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and U.S. Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Eric Sorenson (D-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), among others.

RFA DC Board Meeting Photo Album

Sen. Duckworth was pleased to share her support for ethanol with RFA members.

“America has always relied on our nation’s farmers to produce the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to be their biggest advocate on the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “When we prioritize homegrown biofuels, we’re encouraging job growth, prioritizing our national security, reducing gas prices, protecting our environment and securing Illinois’s leadership in the energy sector for years to come.”

The senator shared that she traveled to Vietnam last week for an official Senate visit that included meetings with government and trade officials to highlight the benefits of increasing imports of corn and soy ethanol from Illinois.