Lawmakers should approve Reynolds’ ethanol plan

As the number one producer of corn and soybeans, it is no surprise that Iowa has promoted the use of ethanol and biodiesel at the pump. For over a decade and a half, Iowa's current suite of retailer tax credits have been effective at slowly increasing access to, and sales of, higher ethanol and biodiesel blends. But given the challenges to both our economy and state budget stemming from COVID-19 and the derecho, it is time to ask if there's a better way forward.

Nearly all Iowans purchase E10 at the gas pump and over 70 percent of diesel sales contain biodiesel. Given this progress, the price tag of these incentives has steadily grown.

Gov. Kim Reynolds has put forward a plan, called the Iowa Biofuel Standards to build on this success in a way that both boosts demand for Iowa produced biofuels while reducing the cost to the taxpayer. The Iowa Biofuel Standards would boost farm income, create jobs, reduce emissions and put millions in the general fund.

It is estimated that over the first five years, implementing the Iowa Biofuel Standards would increase ethanol use by over 100 million gallons and biodiesel use by over 200 million gallons, thereby boosting demand for Iowa's corn and soybean farmers.

Let's ask our legislators to get behind this fiscally responsible plan to boost our rural economy, save consumers money and conserve precious tax dollars during this difficult time. Please support the Iowa Biofuel Standards.

Barbra Solberg

Cedar Rapids