Remove renewable fuels’ safety net

What I'm about to say is considered to be heresy in electoral politics in Iowa. When I decided to run for the U.S. Senate, it wasn't for personal prestige or honor. I want to go there to do what's right for Iowa and our country. I want to do what's right for my children and your children. Too many politicians are so worried about getting re-elected that they fear taking an unpopular position.

I don't. I believe it's time to rethink the Renewable Fuel Standard.

In 2005, the energy bill contained a Renewable Fuel Standard. This mandate required 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2022. Those changes were to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy and to help our environment. This mandate was to be a bridge to cellulosic ethanol and other technologies that were right around the corner, making the fuel standard obsolete, we were told.

Undeniably, that mandate has been good for the Iowa economy. Demand for corn has driven up the price per bushel, thus raising the price per acre and bringing more money into our communities and homes.

Almost 10 years later, a lot has changed. Those new breakthroughs we were promised are further away than we thought. Our country has experienced a domestic oil and natural gas boom, lessening the need for renewable fuels.

I believe in the free market and less government. I believe that our country is great because of competition. Therefore, I believe that it's time for renewable fuels to stand on their own two feet.

No one should misinterpret my words to be dismissive of agriculture. It is important not just for Iowa, but all Americans. After all, each one of us depends on agriculture three times every day. Our farmers and producers not only feed the world, they also support their families and communities - all while dealing with our ever-changing weather.

No, instead this is about a federal government that lately has deemed itself the invisible hand and it's not so invisible. The government should not pick winners and losers or favor industries with tax breaks, subsidies or mandates. We need a level playing field that lets market forces decide who succeeds and who doesn't.

Why would a candidate for office in Iowa take such an unpopular position? Because I believe Iowans are thirsting for straight answers. Washington no longer provides solutions - just rhetoric. Here in Iowa, we can show the country bold leadership by turning our backs on parochial politics. We can send a powerful message that it's time for our country to deal honestly with the role and size of government. To do that, we need people who revere their principles over politics.

Political pundits and insiders will say it's a bad political move to be against this mandate. That's what we have to stop doing, though, making political moves to get elected. The only way we will ignite our economy, get people working and return to prosperity is by replacing government with freedom.

' Matt Whitaker of Clive is a Republican candidate for U.S. senator in the June 3 primary election. Comments: Info@mattwhitaker.org