As President Trump visits the Des Moines metro today with a focus on energy, the economy, and affordability, Iowa agriculture leaders are watching closely. While the visit brings renewed attention to biofuels, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the message from farmers and ethanol producers has been consistent for years: year-round access to E15 remains critical, but the solution must ultimately come from Congress.
Naig says the benefits of expanded E15 access are already clear, particularly for consumers feeling pressure from higher costs across the economy.
In 2024 alone, Iowans saved an estimated 40 million dollars at the gas pump by choosing E15 over E10. Naig says that figure represents just one state, and the potential savings multiply quickly when scaled across the country.
While the President’s visit creates an opportunity to elevate the issue, Naig acknowledges that previous attempts to address E15 through executive action have failed after being challenged in court. That reality has placed renewed focus on Capitol Hill.
Despite E15 being left out of recent appropriations legislation, Naig says Iowa’s congressional delegation helped secure an agreement to bring a bill to the floor by late February that would allow lawmakers to vote on year-round nationwide E15 access.
For Naig, the issue stretches beyond fuel prices alone. He says farm economics continue to add urgency to the debate.
Naig says E15 represents a rare opportunity where consumer affordability, stronger corn markets, and energy independence align at the same time, creating maximum impact if Congress acts.
He also emphasized that Iowa is not simply advocating for change at the federal level. As of January first, Iowa’s E15 access standard is fully in effect, requiring fuel retailers to offer higher ethanol blends. More than half of Iowa fueling stations now offer E15, a number Naig expects to continue rising, along with consumer savings, as more drivers choose the option.
While today’s presidential visit brings added attention to biofuels, Naig says the real work continues after the motorcade leaves. The coming weeks will determine whether Congress is willing to deliver a permanent nationwide solution that provides certainty for farmers, fuel retailers, and consumers alike.
