U.S. Senator Joni Ernst joined President Trump at the White House on March 27 to celebrate National Ag Week and Iowa Ag Week, recognizing the contributions of American farmers, ranchers, and producers. During the event on the South Lawn attended by nearly 1,000 farmers, President Trump announced that the Environmental Protection Agency had finalized its 2026-27 biofuel blending requirements at a record high level.
The announcement is significant for rural economies and agriculture advocates who have long sought greater support for homegrown biofuels. The president also called on Congress to pass legislation for year-round E15 fuel availability and a five-year Farm Bill.
“I can think of no better way to wrap up two weeks of honoring Iowa farmers than by elevating their voices and values to the highest levels,” said Senator Ernst. “Today’s announcement underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to upholding the vital role homegrown biofuels and Iowa agriculture play in lowering fuel prices and bolstering our nation’s energy independence. After years of work to support our farmers and producers, I’m thrilled to have helped deliver the highest levels of biofuel blends for our nation’s fuel supply and strengthen the integrity of the RFS to create an even more prosperous rural America. My work doesn’t stop here, and I’ll continue to press for a modernized five-year Farm Bill and ensure Congress sends a bill to the president’s desk that secures permanent, year-round E15.”
In recent months, Ernst urged federal officials to restore growth in renewable fuels by raising Renewable Volume Obligation levels for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels. She praised proposals from earlier this year that aimed at increasing domestic feedstock protections while reversing mandates related to electric vehicles.
Ernst has also worked on legislative efforts such as introducing provisions into broader bills like One Big Beautiful Bill in order to extend clean fuel production credits with an emphasis on prioritizing domestic feedstocks—a move intended to open new markets for local farmers.
According to her official website, Ernst’s office assists Iowans with federal agency matters including Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration issues, and military affairs. She served over 23 years in the Iowa Army National Guard—achieving lieutenant colonel rank—and commanded troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom according to her official biography. Raised on a family farm in Montgomery County where hard work was emphasized according to her official website, she became Iowa’s first woman elected federally upon joining Congress according to her official biography.
Ernst holds degrees from Iowa State University (bachelor’s) and Columbus State University (master’s in public administration) according to her official website. In addition serving multiple Senate committees focused on fiscal responsibility since making history as both Iowa’s first female federal officeholder and first female combat veteran senator as reported by her official biography, she continues advocating policies benefiting agriculture communities.
