U.S. Senator Joni Ernst and Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, both Republicans from Iowa, called on the Trump administration on Mar. 12 to ensure that the final rule for the 45Z clean fuel production credit supports a broad range of on-farm practices and benefits Iowa farmers.
The lawmakers said their request is important because previous guidance under the Biden administration did not provide enough clarity for biofuel producers or farmers. They said clear rules are needed so that those in agriculture can participate fully in the program.
“45Z was designed to add value to farmers’ crops and expand domestic production of clean, homegrown biofuels. Still, its success depends on clear, workable rules allowing farmers and biofuel producers to meaningfully participate—clarity the Biden administration repeatedly failed to provide,” wrote Ernst and Miller-Meeks. They added, “As this rule is finalized, it is critical the final rule clearly identifies the types of on-farm conservation practices capable of generating lower-carbon feedstocks and ultimately qualifying for a premium under 45Z. Examples of these practices include, but are not limited to no-till, cover crops, strip till, manure application, and optimized fertilizer use.”
The lawmakers concluded by saying: “Delivering this outcome after years of mismanagement under the previous administration will be a clear win for U.S. farmers and demonstrate the Trump administration’s commitment to a stronger rural America.”
Ernst has played a role in introducing legislation such as the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act as part of broader tax legislation now law. This act extends the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit through 2029 and aims to remove environmental penalties against American farmers while prioritizing domestic feedstocks for biofuel production.
In January 2025, Ernst criticized what she described as late and incomplete guidance from the Biden administration regarding implementation of 45Z credits. She said this delay left Iowa’s agricultural community uncertain about how they could benefit from new incentives.
According to the official website, Ernst’s office handles constituent services such as casework and facilitating interactions with federal agencies. She leads several Senate committees including Small Business and Entrepreneurship; participates in Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; as well as Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committees according to her official website. Her representation covers all of Iowa according to her official website.
Ernst was elected in 2014 as both Iowa’s first female senator and first female combat veteran in that body according to her official website.
