Brooke Rollins of Texas was confirmed as the 33rd Secretary of Agriculture Thursday by a vote of 72-28.
Rollins served in Trump’s previous administration as acting director of the Domestic Policy Council and oversaw the White House Office of American Innovation. She since co-founded and served as president and chief executive officer of the America First Policy Institute. She has a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University and a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says they look forward to working with her on ethanol issues. “Throughout the confirmation process, we were encouraged to hear Secretary Rollins state that renewable fuels like ethanol will be big part of President Trump’s energy dominance strategy and that she will defend and elevate all sources of American-made energy,” said Cooper. “At a time when the farm economy is struggling, we encourage Secretary Rollins to use all of the tools in USDA’s toolbox to open and expand markets for ethanol and its valuable co-products. Indeed, the best way to boost rural America is to boost renewable fuels, and we are confident Secretary Rollins will continue USDA’s legacy of supporting this quintessential American industry.”
American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings also offered his congratulations. “We congratulate Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to lead USDA and look forward to working with her on our priority issues, including advancing our USDA RCPP projects aimed at ensuring farmers and biofuel producers get properly rewarded for sustainable farming practices under clean fuel programs and tax incentives such as the 45Z Clean Fuel Production credit. As 45Z guidance is finalized by the Trump Treasury, we will encourage Secretary Rollins to leverage USDA’s guidelines for crops used as biofuel feedstocks to help maximize opportunities for farmers and ethanol producers,” said Jennings. “We will also engage USDA on promoting further biofuel infrastructure funding opportunities for E15 and E85, as well as strengthening existing export and new SAF market opportunities.”