WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) today was joined by her colleagues in the Iowa congressional delegation, U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Zach Nunn (IA-03), and Randy Feenstra (IA-04), as well as U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Darin LaHood (IL-16), and Angie Craig (MN-02) in introducing the Next Generation Fuels Act, legislation to phase in higher gasoline octane levels through the greater use of ethanol. By increasing the amount of ethanol that can be utilized in the fuel supply, prices at the pump will decrease for consumers.
U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate, reaffirming Iowa’s commitment to promoting the use of ethanol as we look toward lowering emissions and investing in American energy.
“Iowa is the top ethanol producing state in the country, and I know that our biofuels industry is of utmost importance to our economy,” said Representative Miller-Meeks. “Our legislation would promote increased use of higher ethanol blends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve health, and support agriculture’s contribution to the economy and environment. I’m proud to be joined by the entire Iowa delegation in spearheading this important bill.”
“Biofuels are our homegrown, clean energy solution and our Iowa producers stand ready to meet demand. I’m proud to join the Iowa delegation, and the growing number of bipartisan ethanol supporters in Congress, to expand the use of biofuels as part of our nation’s all-of-the-above energy strategy,” said Representative Hinson.
“Iowa is leading the fight to lower the cost of gas, provide more options at the pump, and make America energy independent,” said Representative Nunn. “With the NextGen Fuel Act, we are working across the aisle to promote low-carbon, high-octane fuels that are better for the environment, fuel efficiency, and budgets.”
“Thanks to our hardworking corn growers and energy producers, Iowa’s 4th Congressional District is the top ethanol-producing district in the nation,” said Representative Feenstra. “Between high energy costs and record inflation, biofuels have the unlimited potential to ease the pain at the pump and grow our rural economy. I am proud to help lead the Next Generation Fuels Act to lower gas prices for our families, support Iowa corn growers, and expand American-made ethanol production.”
“Expanding the role biofuels play in our nation’s fuel supply will reduce gas prices, support family farmers and cut harmful emissions – a win-win-win,” said Representative Budzinski. “I’m proud to be introducing the Next Generation Fuels Act to prioritize biofuels and producers in Central and Southern Illinois. Thank you to Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Angie Craig and Darin LaHood for coming together on this bipartisan legislation.”
“Biofuels, particularly ethanol, continue to be a vital market for our corn farmers in the 16th District of Illinois and throughout our state. Rural communities across the Midwest have seen the benefits of increased ethanol production through new job opportunities and increased markets to sell their products,” stated Representative LaHood. “I am proud to support reintroduction of the Next Generation Fuels Act, which builds off of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to provide more efficient energy solutions while supporting Illinois agriculture producers.”
“It is absolutely essential that we embrace an all-of-the-above energy approach as we work to slow the effects of climate change, and the Next Generation Fuels Act helps get us there,” said Representative Craig. “Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation is good for Minnesota’s family farmers, good for Minnesotans at the gas pump and good for the environment, and I’ll be working with members of both parties to pass this bill.”
“Instead of continuing to buy more oil from foreign adversaries, we should be increasing the use of ethanol made by biofuel producers right here in the United States. The Next Generation Fuels Act would help put America back on the path to energy independence while easing the pain at the pump. It’s good for consumers, good for farmers and biofuel producers, and good for the environment. This is the right approach to energy policy, and I’m proud to work with my colleagues to reintroduce this bill,” said Senator Grassley.
“Iowa families need solutions to stretch every dollar, and homegrown Iowa biofuels stand at the ready to relieve the pain at the pump. “This commonsense legislation drives down costs for consumers, lowers carbon emissions, supports our farmers and producers, and moves us one step closer to energy independence,” said Senator Ernst.
“We’re very grateful to Rep. Miller-Meeks, along with Reps. Craig, LaHood and Budzinski for taking the lead on this priority legislation for corn growers,” said Tom Haag, National Corn Growers Association President. “Advancing the Next Generation Fuels Act is timely for Congress’ work on energy and environmental issues, offering solutions that lower fuel costs, reduce emissions and help shore up America’s energy security for the long run.”
“High-octane ethanol has the power to deliver the performance and savings consumers need, while driving down transportation emissions,” said Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO. “We applaud Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), and Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.) for leading efforts to unleash the full potential offered by American biofuels. This bipartisan legislation represents a common-sense step toward lower prices at the pump, greater energy security, and cleaner air. We urge lawmakers to join forces with our House and Senate champions to quickly send the Next Generation Fuels Act to the president’s desk.”
“The Next Generation Fuels Act overcomes a host of regulatory barriers currently standing in the way of expanding the use of ethanol, and we thank these bipartisan House leaders for recognizing the value ethanol holds as an immediate solution to decarbonize the transportation sector,” said Brian Jennings, American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO. “We look forward to working with members of Congress on how this bill can build upon other clean fuel legislation to spur biofuel demand.”
“We thank Reps. Miller-Meeks, Craig, LaHood and Budzinski for leading the charge and reintroducing the Next Generation Fuels Act in the House. Americans will continue to rely on liquid fuels and internal combustion engines for decades to come, and this legislation will ensure drivers have access to more efficient high-octane, low-carbon, lower-cost fuels for their vehicles well into the future. We look forward to working with clean fuel supporters in both chambers of Congress to turn this bold vision into a reality,” said Geoff Cooper, Renewable Fuels Association President & CEO
19 members joined Miller-Meeks as original cosponsors of the Next Generation Fuels Act including Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Darin LaHood (IL-16), Angie Craig (MN-02), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Don Bacon (NE-02), Dan Kildee (MI-08), Andre Carson (IN-07), James Comer (KY-01), Mike Bost (IL-12), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Mike Flood (NE-01), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Mary Miller (IL-15), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-05), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09).
The Next Generation Fuels Act is supported by the National Corn Growers Association, Renewable Fuels Association, American Coalition for Ethanol, National Farmers Union, American Farm Bureau Federation, John Deere, United Auto Workers, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, and Growth Energy.
Background:
The Next Generation Fuels Act would phase in higher gasoline octane levels through the greater use of ethanol beginning with a 95 Research Octane Number (RON) standard for automobile model year 2028 and increasing to 98 RON by model year 2033. For a new vehicle to receive certification from an automaker, the bill would require the automobile to operate with an E25 blend for model year 2028 and an E30 blend for model year 2033 onwards. The bill would also require fuel retailers to carry these higher blend fuels.
By requiring the new high-octane fuel to utilize low-carbon ethanol, the Next Generation Fuels Act will decarbonize liquid fuels as vehicle technologies advance. This requirement ensures that progress already made to expand the use of ethanol while lowering emissions continues.