Photo cutline: Soybean farmers, biodiesel producers and supporters visit the Iowa State Capitol in support of improved biofuel access and use. (Back left to right): Mark Cobb, Iowa Renewable Energy; Grant Kimberley, Iowa Soybean Association/Iowa Biodiesel Board; Jeff Earl, Clean Fuels Alliance America; Brad Wilson, Western Iowa Energy/Iowa Biodiesel Board; Tom Brooks, Western Dubuque Biodiesel; Pat Woerner, Cargill. (Bottom left to right): Dave Walton, Iowa Soybean Association/Iowa Biodiesel Board; Courtney Lawrenson, AGP; Derrick Winkel, REG; Reo Menning, RIN Alliance; Nate Nolte, AGP. (Photo credit: Joclyn Bushman/Iowa Soybean Association)
Soybean Farmers Emphasize Commitment to Homegrown Energy with Iowa Capitol Visit
February 17, 2022 | Brock Johnston
Ankeny, Iowa — Iowa soybean farmers, biodiesel producers and other supporters met with state legislators on Feb. 15, urging them to vote for a bill that would improve access to and incentivize the production of homegrown biodiesel in Iowa.
Earlier this month, soy growers celebrated the House passage of the Governor’s Biofuel Access Bill, where it received strong, bipartisan support (82-10). The bills are currently numbered House File 2128 and SBB 3084.
“Passage of the bill by the Iowa House means continued investment in reliable, low-carbon biodiesel production and access is even closer to becoming a reality,” said ISA President Robb Ewoldt, a soybean farmer near Davenport who uses biodiesel to grow crops and transport freight. "Ensuring Iowa soybean farmers and state can reap the benefits is critical."
The legislation seeks to address biofuel tax and infrastructure provisions by:
- Updating and expanding both the Biodiesel Production Tax Credit and Biodiesel Fuel Tax Differential.
- Shifting current fuel retailer tax credit for blends of 11% biodiesel (B11) to encourage higher blends.
- Introducing new credits for blends like B20 and B30.
- Expanding the state’s Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP).
By increasing soybean oil value, biodiesel supports 13% of the price per bushel of soybeans. This equated to $1.78 per bushel in 2021. It also lowers the price of soybean meal, a key ingredient for livestock producers and the food supply.
“We’ve gone to great lengths over the past year to help the state revise its approach to expanding biofuels. We encourage Iowa soybean farmers to contact their senators and express support for this legislation today," added Ewoldt.
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Not funded by the soybean checkoff
The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 40,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.
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