“What Are You Waiting For?”: Iowa Republicans Blow Past Their Own E15 Deadline

DES MOINES – Randy Feenstra, Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Zach Nunn blew past their self-imposed February 25 deadline for a vote on the year-round sale of E15 yesterday, failing to deliver for Iowa farmers who are struggling to break even under the weight of chaotic tariffs and rising input costs.

While Feenstra is busy ducking the press to avoid explaining why he keeps failing corn growers and Nunn poses for photo ops instead of taking any real action, farm groups and biofuel advocates were quick to call the delegation out for failing to deliver on E15.

What they’re saying about Iowa Republicans failing farmers on E15:

• Iowa Corn Growers Association: “What are you waiting for? Iowa farmers are operating at over $1 per acre UNDER the cost of production. And Midwest BANKRUPTCIES are UP 200% since last year. ACT NOW! Help Iowa farmers, families and rural communities.”

• Iowa Renewable Fuels Association: “This is no time for quitting on E15. Farmers and consumers are counting on Congress and President Trump to finish the job for E15 … Congress needs to prove it can function, because we’re getting fed up with the dysfunction.” 

• National Corn Growers Association: “Let’s blow their phones up. We don’t want any more excuses. We’re tired of waiting. We’re tired of being pushed around and bullied by big industry.”

• Renewable Fuels Association: “Our message to the Council—and to every member of Congress—is clear: Year-round, nationwide E15 is an urgent priority for America’s farmers, energy sector, and working families—and it can’t wait any longer. Unleash E15! Let’s get it done.”

• RFA President Geoff Cooper: “I am not terribly optimistic that we’re going to see legislation before summer on year-round E15 … We need to see the path to get that done, because I’m not sure I see it from where I sit today.”

• Senator Chuck Grassley: “It’s something that should’ve happened today based upon what we heard maybe a month ago now. And we’re hearing from farmers on this issue that they’re frustrated it’s not happening.”

###