U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) on March 18 introduced a bipartisan bill that would expand the production and availability of American biofuels.
“This bipartisan solution,” Rep. Hinson said, “will lower costs at the pump, bolster our fuel supply, and improve our national security.”
Rep. Hinson signed on as an original cosponsor of the Home Front Energy Independence Act, H.R. 7155, alongside fellow cosponsor U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) and bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA). The identical S. 3787 was introduced on March 8 by U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
If enacted, the measure would prohibit the importation of petroleum and petroleum products from Russia until Russia recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, according to the bill’s text.
Additionally, the bill would allow a new tax credit for the sale or blending of ethanol fuels, and would extend through 2025 the income tax credit for biodiesel and renewable diesel used as fuel.
The bill also would modify requirements related to the waiver of ethanol reid vapor pressure limitations and E15 labeling, and require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to award grants to certain governmental entities for expanding the biofuel infrastructure and agriculture product market, the text says.
“The solution to the current energy affordability crisis that is squeezing working families across the country shouldn’t come from Russia, Iran, or Venezuela — it has to come from America,” said Rep. Hinson. “The bipartisan Home Front Energy Independence Act will finally unleash the abundant domestic energy resources that we’ve been sitting on, including Iowa biofuels and allow the sale of E15 year-round.”
The Home Front Energy Independence Act is supported by Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America, and the National Corn Growers Association.