ICGA Highlights Wins from 2026 Iowa Legislative Session

The Iowa legislative session officially adjourned this past weekend, ending a productive term that saw significant movement on several Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) policy priorities advocated for by Iowa’s corn farmers. 

“This session proved that when we bring common-sense agricultural solutions to the Capitol, we can move the needle for our members,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Mueller, who farms in Waverly, Iowa. “From easing the tax burden on high-ethanol blends to the increased investments in water quality initiatives, these wins are a direct result of our members showing up and speaking out. This session verified ICGA remains a powerful force in the Iowa legislature, but more importantly, it demonstrated that the collective voice of our 7,000+ farmer-members is what truly enacts real policy change.” 

Following the conclusion of the session, ICGA highlighted the following key legislative outcomes: 

• E85+ Fuel Excise Tax: Establishes a new excise tax exemption for ethanol-blended gasoline exceeding 85% ethanol (E85+) when purchased for use exclusively in agricultural implements of husbandry, reducing costs for farmers utilizing high-ethanol blends in their operations. 

• Land Restoration for Transmission Lines: New protections require transmission line owners (200+ kV) to restore land post-construction, including deep tillage to alleviate soil compaction, drain tile repair and the removal of construction debris. 

• Secretary Naig’s Water Quality Initiatives: Secured a long-term commitment of over $130 million over 12 years to go towards nitrate removal system updates for Central Iowa Water Works, increased funding for conservation and water monitoring as well as the creation of the Rural Iowa Infrastructure Bank. 

• Enhanced Depredation Permits: Expands eligibility for depredation permits to include “economic loss to agriculture” and streamlines the process by allowing tenants to be issued permits with landowner written approval. 

• Limitation of Liability for Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Effects: Establishes a statutory shield against frivolous civil or criminal lawsuits regarding climate effects from greenhouse gas emissions, unless a specific permit violation is proven. 

• Mineral Rights Modernization: Mandates that cities and counties divest mineral interests if they do not own the surface rights. 

• Carbon Capture Projects: While no legislation regarding carbon capture pipelines passed this session, ICGA will continue to work towards finding a compromise that ensures long term viability and protects landowner rights. 

“The ICGA policy development process is officially underway, starting with our member survey,” said Mueller. “Our next step is a series of regional roundtables, where we invite farmers to share their perspectives before new policies are finalized and debated at our annual Grassroots Summit.”

For More Information:

Sydney Garrett, Public Relations Manager, sgarrett@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242