Presidential Candidate Asa Hutchinson Lays Out Complete Biofuels Vision

Yesterday at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, Asa Hutchinson spoke about growing up on a farm and his support for biofuels. After his speech, Asa stopped by the Biofuels Vision booth and talked with our team about the priority issues facing biofuels, confirming his support for all eight biofuels policy issues. 

“Gov. Hutchinson spoke from his heart at the Summit, and we’re excited he took the time to offer support on the key policy issues facing farmers and biofuels producers,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association President Brad Wilson, the president/general manager of Western Iowa Energy, a biodiesel producing company, headquartered in Wall Lake, Iowa. “The Caucuses provide a wonderful educational opportunity for candidates, and IRFA members applaud Asa for putting biofuels in a prominent place in his energy agenda.” 

“We applaud Governor Hutchinson for hitting all the key marks in demonstrating his support for biofuels like biodiesel, as well as the federal policies that are so crucial in diversifying our nation’s energy supply while strengthening the economy,” said Grant Kimberley, Senior Director of Market Development for the Iowa Soybean Association and Executive Director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. “A strong biodiesel market means a strong farm economy – important not just in Iowa but nationwide.” 

“We are pleased to see the recognition of ethanol’s economic and environmental benefits by presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson.” said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Jolene Riessen, a farmer from Ida Grove. “Ethanol plays a crucial role in Iowa’s economy by providing jobs and keeping costs at the pump low for consumers. Not only is it a home grown, affordable fuel option, but it contributes to national security by providing energy independence for many rural communities nationwide.” 

While Iowa is home to first-in-the-nation caucuses, it is also the leading state in biofuel production. In 2022, Iowa produced 4.5 billion gallons of ethanol and 349 million gallons of biodiesel. Those production levels accounted for nearly $7.2 billion of Iowa’s gross domestic product, generated $3.5 billion of income for Iowa households and supported more than 57,000 jobs throughout the Iowa economy. 

Gov. Hutchinson is the third candidate to support a complete “biofuels vision,” joining Amb. Nikki Haley and Gov. Ron DeSantis. A majority of candidates campaigning in Iowa now support all eight priority issues. Information on the eight priority issues and where candidates stand can be found at: www.biofuelsvision.com.  

Biofuels Vision 2024 is a coalition of Iowa organizations and citizens tracking candidates’ stances on eight issues vital to the future of biofuels and the Iowa economy. The coalition does not endorse or rank candidates. Stay up to date by following @BiofuelsVision on X, previously known as Twitter. For more information about Biofuels Vision 2024, including background on the priority issues and an updated candidate position tracker, visit biofuelsvision.com. 

For More Information:

Logan Shine, Biofuels Vision Press Contact, media@biofuelsvision.com

Rachel Zumbach, Public Relations Manager, rzumbach@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242