WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Leaders Praise EPA’s Proposed New Renewable Fuel Standards to Strengthen U.S. Energy Security, Support Rural America, Expand Domestic Fuel Production
WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that EPA is proposing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements for 2026 and 2027 that would strengthen American energy security and support American farmers.
If finalized, these would be the highest volume requirements ever under the RFS program. Under President Trump and Administrator Zeldin’s leadership, EPA is putting America back in charge of its energy future.
The “Set 2” proposal adheres to Congress’ original intent of increasing the use of homegrown American biofuels, unleashing American energy, and supporting rural economies.
Here’s what people across the U.S. are saying:
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds: “Today’s Renewable Volume Obligations proposal announced by the EPA and Administrator Zeldin is welcome news to Iowa. Our farmers and biofuel producers are prepared to continue supplying consumers with homegrown, low-cost renewable fuels. The RVO proposal sends a strong signal to the market that biofuels play an important role in ensuring American energy dominance.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD): “Great news for South Dakota’s biofuel producers and farmers. Thanks to Administrator Zeldin for supporting and prioritizing this critical industry.”
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA): “After Biden blatantly ignored the needs of farmers and biofuel producers, I applaud the Trump administration for getting the RFS back on track with today’s announcement. By eliminating the electric vehicle mandate and restoring the RFS’ original focus on liquid transportation fuels, prioritizing domestically grown crops over foreign imports, setting record-high volumes to revitalize the biofuel industry, and adopting safeguards to prevent small refinery waivers from gutting the program—it is clear the Trump administration is committed to championing rural America. I look forward to working with President Trump’s team to usher this rule across the finish line and keep delivering for Iowa’s famers, biofuel producers, and rural communities.”
Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE): “The EPA’s newly proposed rule rightly recognizes the vital role America’s farmers and biofuel producers play in strengthening our energy independence. Setting the conventional volume for fuels like ethanol at 15 billion gallons and boosting biomass-based diesel well above expectations is a strong win for Nebraska and the rest of rural America. I thank the administration for their continued commitment to agriculture and biofuels - their leadership supports Nebraska’s corn, soybean, and biofuel industries. I look forward to working with them to ensure these promising proposals are finalized and fully implemented.”
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA): “Under the Biden administration, five biodiesel plants in Iowa closed or idled in part because RVOs were set too low. Today, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin turned the ship around, delivering a victory for American energy security and following through on their promise to support American agriculture. Biofuels lower gas prices, strengthen national security and drive economic growth in rural communities. Today’s announcement is welcome news for Iowa farmers and biofuel producers.”
Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS): “Today’s announcement from President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin delivers on a promise to put American farmers first, while reducing our reliance on foreign energy sources to strengthen domestic agriculture and energy production. Renewable fuels deliver cleaner and more affordable fuel at the pump, as well as long-term profitability for our farmers and rural communities. This is a huge win for rural America and the future of our energy sector. Thanks to President Trump for not only removing the disastrous Biden EV mandates but also supporting our hard-working farmers and ranchers. Once again, Promises Made, Promises Kept.”
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE): “President Trump and Administrator Zeldin have held true to their promises to unleash American energy and to implement the Renewable Fuels Standard consistent with the law. Today’s Renewable Volume Obligation rulemaking marks an important day for biofuels, American farmers, and Nebraska agriculture. Strong targets drive strong biofuel markets which benefits energy consumers, agricultural producers, and the environment.”
Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02): “I welcome EPA’s draft Renewable Volume Obligations for 2026 and 2027 as a strong signal of support for Nebraska’s farmers, ethanol producers, and rural economies. By prioritizing U.S.-produced renewable fuels, this proposal advances lower pump prices, strengthens our agriculture sector, and reinforces American energy leadership. I appreciate Administrator Lee Zeldin and the EPA team for engaging with agriculture and fuels stakeholders.”
Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04): “I thank President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for standing with Iowa farmers and biofuels producers by expanding RVOs for ethanol and biodiesel. This decision will drive investment in our rural communities, support our farmers, create jobs and strengthen U.S. energy independence.”
Representative Mike Flood (R-NE-01): “President Trump and Administrator Zeldin’s decision to push RVOs to a record high is great news for America’s farmers and our rural communities. Nebraska is the nation’s second largest producer of ethanol and a growing part of the biodiesel industry. Higher RVOs will help more consumers across the country enjoy access to the clean, affordable fuels we’re producing right here in the Midwest. This is a big step forward for the biofuels industry and I look forward to ongoing partnership with the Trump administration as they continue to support our farm families who are helping fuel America and our nation’s energy independence.”
Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02): “I’m very encouraged by EPA’s proposed rule, which underscores the important role that biofuels play in our strategy for American energy dominance. Energy security is national security, and today’s announcement is a win for our biofuels producers and Ag community in Iowa… This is a strong first step, and I look forward to my continued work with President Trump and Administrator Lee Zeldin to expand domestic production of liquid transportation fuels.”
Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL): “This proposal is great news for South Dakota producers. I’ve been calling for an RVO increase for years and I’m grateful the Trump administration is making homegrown energy a priority.”
Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01): “Wonderful news out of the EPA today! The EPA’s proposal is a huge win for Iowa farmers and producers. Prioritizing American-made biofuels means lower gas prices, stronger ag, and American energy dominance.”
Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-03): “Today’s announcement rightfully recognizes the key role biofuels play in American energy security. If finalized, these volumes will support our agriculture producers, provide much needed certainty to the industry, and ensure consumers have greater access to affordable liquid fuels. I thank Administrator Zeldin and President Trump for their continued support of American biofuels and look forward to working with them to ensure today’s RVOs have the intended effect of promoting American energy production.”
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig: “President Trump has long been a champion for American energy, and the RVO proposal announced today by EPA Administrator Zeldin is yet another example of the administration keeping its promise to our farmers and biofuels producers. Iowa leads the nation in ethanol and biodiesel production and our existing infrastructure has the capacity to produce even more home-grown biofuels. Today’s announcement sends a welcome and optimistic growth signal to this important industry.
I strongly support the administration’s effort to prioritize and incentivize American sourced biofuels and ingredients over foreign fuels and feedstocks, including used cooking oil from China. I am also pleased to see the elimination of the misguided attempt to force Biden’s electric vehicle mandate (eRINs) into the RFS... President Trump is once again demonstrating his commitment to showcasing how Iowa-made biofuels can be central to his effort to make America energy dominant. Biofuels are a win for drivers and American farmers – they save drivers money at the pump, directly support corn and soybean prices, expand markets for farmers, and support rural jobs and communities.”
Advanced Biofuels Association President Michael McAdams: “The EPA’s initial proposal correctly recognizes that global feedstock supply and U.S. production capacity is more than sufficient to support a robust RVO, including at least 7.12 billion RINs of biomass-based diesel in 2026 (5.61 billion gallons) and 7.50 (5.86 bg) in 2027. Strong RVOs are essential to diversifying the nation’s fuel supply, supporting rural economic development, lowering costs for consumers and businesses, and reinforcing America’s competitive edge in energy innovation. This proposal makes clear that the EPA understands the critical role advanced biofuels can play in their broader energy dominance strategy, and our industry is elated at this development.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Farm Bureau applauds the Environmental Protection Agency and Administrator Lee Zeldin for recognizing the importance of biofuels for farmers and America’s families. EPA’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027 would increase domestic biofuel production, prioritize home-grown crops, and enable producers to meet the demands of emerging international markets. America’s families who choose to use biofuels could see much-needed relief at the gas pump, with savings of 10 to 30 cents per gallon. Renewable fuels have been a tremendous success story for the country and our rural economy. The RFS has reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and created markets for farmers who answered the call to help America become energy independent.”
American Petroleum Institute Vice President of Downstream Policy Will Hupman: “We thank EPA for releasing a timely proposal that will get the Renewable Fuel Standard program back on track and bring much-needed certainty to the marketplace.”
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland: “As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard, the American Soybean Association applauds the work of President Trump, Administrator Zeldin and Secretary Rollins in promoting American energy dominance and strengthening a key domestic market for U.S. soybean farmers. The significant increase in proposed volumes for biomass-based diesel will support soybean farmers, soybean processors, and biofuel producers in rural America, and serves as a much-needed win for our communities. We thank the Trump administration for recognizing and supporting this vital value chain for U.S. agriculture.”
Clean Fuels Alliance America Vice President of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik: “Today’s RFS proposal is a welcome and timely signal to U.S. biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF producers as well as America’s farmers and agricultural businesses. The industry has made major investments in domestic production capacity and feedstocks to meet America’s energy needs and provide consumers affordable, cleaner fuels. We anticipate this will have a tremendous beneficial impact for American farmers and agricultural communities and we look forward to working with President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin to finalize this rule and fully unleash U.S. clean fuel producers. Our industry supplied more than 5 billion gallons of biodiesel, renewable diesel and SAF to the U.S. market in 2024, and is poised to deliver more in 2026. The U.S. biomass-based diesel industry supports 107,400 jobs and generates $42.4 billion in economic activity. Continued market growth and stability through the RFS will enable more economic opportunities, create more jobs, and revitalize America’s agricultural sector.”
ClonBio Group Director of Investments Eric Sievers: “As a European company whose recent investments have been in the United States, we know that international biofuels fraud is rampant. The EU has been a singular failure in taking even one tangible step to frustrate that fraud, despite ten years of statements and promises. The EPA and Trump administration have put Europe to shame with clear and decisive proposals that put a stop to fraud, most of which comes from Asia.”
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor: “Today’s proposed RVOs secure an economic lifeline for the nation’s farmers and ethanol producers. EPA’s proposal will unlock investments, create jobs, and support growth in rural America, expanding renewable fuel production and creating the kind of certainty that spurs innovation and truly unleashes American energy dominance. Only biofuels can unlock the investments and jobs needed to strengthen the rural economy. We applaud President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for keeping their promise to fight for farmers and create opportunities in rural communities that have too often been left behind.”
Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan: “The strong, forward-looking announcement provides significant potential for increased biofuels production. By also prioritizing domestically sourced feedstocks and renewable fuels, the renewable volume obligation announcement will create additional market opportunities for farmers and help achieve American energy dominance. Renewable fuels play an integral role in securing our nation’s energy supply, and Illinois farmers stand ready to meet the growing demand for locally produced biofuels.”
Illinois Soybean Association Director of Government Relations Andrew Larson: “As representatives of the farmers in America’s top soybean-producing state, the Illinois Soybean Association is encouraged by this positive news for domestically grown feedstocks from the Trump administration and EPA Administrator Zeldin. At a time of profound uncertainty for soybean farmers, we look forward to working with the EPA as this proposal moves forward for the benefit our family farmers, American agriculture, and rural communities across both Illinois and the entire United States.”
Iowa Biodiesel Board Executive Director Grant Kimberley: “The volumes signal real opportunity for domestic producers, especially here in Iowa, and we appreciate the EPA’s recognition of what this industry is capable of delivering. We thank the Trump administration for recognizing that American-made biofuels should be a national priority, and for setting the stage for today’s historic growth in biomass-based diesel. For Iowa, these volumes likely mean something even more immediate — getting our idled biodiesel plants back up and running. That’s good news for jobs, for soybean farmers and for communities that rely on biofuels as a driver of economic growth.”
Iowa Soybean Association President Brent Swart: “Biomass-based diesel has long provided significant value to soybean farmers, helping us weather difficult economic times and supporting our state’s thriving agriculture industry. This is a significant step toward putting the market back on track. It is also a long overdue recognition that Iowa farmers, soybean processors and the state’s biodiesel producers, can contribute even more to America’s energy output.”
National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr.: “We are thankful to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin that the EPA has released these robust RVO numbers in a timely manner. This action provides a significant certainty to corn farmers across the country who rely on a stable biofuels industry.”
National Oilseed Processors Association President and CEO Devin Mogler: “NOPA is grateful for the support President Trump, Administrator Zeldin, and Secretary Rollins are providing to U.S. farmers with this proposal. We applaud the administration for recognizing the need to reduce the RIN value for biofuels made from imports of tallow and so-called ‘used cooking oil’ which have been displacing U.S. soybean oil – harming farmers and biofuel producers alike for years. These strong volumes and prioritization of U.S. farmers aligns policy with actual domestic production capacity and ensures that American-grown feedstocks remain at the heart of a secure and affordable energy future.”
National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust: “The EPA’s proposal sends a strong market signal that prioritizes rural economies and sustainable fuel solutions made here at home. Sorghum continues to gain traction as a dependable, low-input advanced biofuel feedstock, and this rule lays important groundwork to expand our role in current and future advanced biofuel markets.”
Nebraska Ethanol Board Executive Director Ben Rhodes: “These RVOs are an excellent sign for America’s ethanol producers.”
North America Renderers Association President and CEO Kent Swisher: “This substantial increase in the RVO provides long-term certainty for producers. We commend the EPA’s continued support of sustainable fuel technologies. The rendering industry is proud to be part of the solution. This announcement supports American farmers, boosts rural economies, and promotes environmental stewardship—while reducing our nation’s dependence on petroleum-based fuels.”
Ohio Corn and Wheat Executive Director Tadd Nicholson: “We want to thank President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for their continued recognition of the value biofuels bring to America’s energy, economy, and rural communities. Today’s action helps incentivize domestic biofuel production, supporting jobs across the supply chain. By strengthening U.S. biofuel production, this decision helps promote energy independence and more affordable fuel choices for consumers, while maintaining important demand for crops grown by Ohio farmers.”
Ohio Soybean Association President Rusty Goebel: “This is a huge win for Ohio farmers and rural America. Thirteen percent of our bushel price comes from the biofuel industry, and this proposal strengthens a crucial market for soybean oil.”
POET Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications Joshua Shields: “Today’s announcement from the EPA should provide much-needed, long-awaited certainty to our farmers and biofuel producers. By bolstering the RFS, we are strengthening the farm economy, supporting American energy dominance, and providing broader access to homegrown biofuels. By strengthening RVOs, we are making affordable, homegrown fuel available to drivers across the country. This action reflects the Trump administration’s firm commitment to the American farmer and our rural communities, and we look forward to working alongside them as they seek to finalize the rule later this year.”
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper: “Today’s proposal is an important step toward achieving President Trump’s vision of lower gas prices, a stronger agriculture industry, and American energy dominance. The volumes proposed today provide crucial growth opportunities for U.S. ethanol producers and farmers, while boosting the supply of lower-cost, American-made energy... This proposal sends a very positive and powerful signal to U.S. renewable fuel producers and farmers.”