The reality of farm economics was brought to our attention at the Iowa State Fair.
A locally elected official speaks to issues affecting rural Iowans.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exempted 31 small refineries from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. The exemptions dismiss refineries? blending requirements, of ethanol into gasoline. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) says this action further destroys markets American farmers desperately rely on.
?I?m very disappointed,? Senator Ernst said. ?The President has made a commitment to support the RFS, the American farmer. We need to have a path forward because this is detrimental to our ethanol industry. We have ethanol facilities closing. This is a bad time to be announcing these small refinery exemptions.?
Ernst believes farmers deserve markets for their goods, especially during a time of wavering trade. She frequently reiterates the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and global trade, when visiting with President Donald Trump.
?Anytime I visit with the President, I tell him it is imperative that we get a good deal, and that I support him in getting a good deal. But, we also need to get a deal. Let?s get to that point and make sure we?re finding a pathway for America?s good to move into China, and be fair,? Ernst said.
On the other hand, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USCMA) should be finalized after the ?state work period,? according to Ernst. She believes this agreement will bring stability back to the market.
?It is imperative that we move the USMCA,? Ernst said. ?Canada and Mexico (are) very important trading partners. We need to move this bill as soon as we can.?
