U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) on July 26 signed on as an original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation that aims to promote low-carbon, high-octane fuels, protect public health and improve vehicle efficiency and performance.
“This bipartisan legislation will move America closer to energy independence and away from relying on our adversaries, all while lowering costs for consumers and supporting our hardworking farmers and biofuel producers,” Sen. Ernst said on Tuesday.
The Next Generation Fuels Act, S. 4621, is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and cosponsored by two Senate Democrats. According to the lawmakers, allowing the sale of fuels with greater octane levels would increase the amount of ethanol that can be utilized in the fuel supply, in turn lowering prices at the pump for consumers.
“As Iowans are getting crushed under sky-high prices at the pump, and America continues to depend on foreign countries for our energy, we should be turning to our own abundant domestic production right here in the U.S., including clean, homegrown biofuel,” said Sen. Ernst. “This is a no-brainer.”
S. 4621 is the companion bill to the same-named H.R. 5089, introduced in August 2021 by U.S. Reps. Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA).
The measure is supported by the Renewable Fuels Association, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, the National Corn Growers Association, and Growth Energy.