E15 Policy Meets State Politics as Iowa Governor Primary Unfolds

Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says the proposal would allow retailers to decide whether they want to offer E15 year-round.

DES MOINES, Iowa (RFD News) — Voters are heading to the polls today in six states, including Iowa, where U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-04) is seeking the Republican nomination for governor. Governor Kim Reynolds is not seeking re-election, making it Iowa’s first open primary in nearly two decades.

Feenstra, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, is one of five candidates competing in Iowa’s GOP primary. The race has drawn additional attention in recent days following President Trump’s endorsement of him.

Meanwhile, he continues advocating for year-round E15 sales after recently helping advance related legislation in the House.

“So for our farming community, for our producers, it’s so important,” Feenstra said. “I’ll also say this is that E15 is not a mandate. It’s just an opportunity that allows states to sell it year-round. It allows retailers to decide if they want to sell it in Iowa — 50% of our retailers currently sell it. This just creates an opportunity for the certainty that the retailers wanted to have, that they’re certain to sell at 12 months out of the year. That’s why, from all states, I believe that there’s going to be a great movement forward to selling this product and helping our producers and creating more domestic energy.”

If the federal measure to legalize year-round sales of E15 remains a standalone bill in the Senate — rather than being added back to the Senate’s version of the Farm Bill — it would require 60 votes before heading to President Trump’s desk.

Related Stories
The farm bill is still moving, but the toughest amendment fights were pushed into today’s session. ASA President Scott Metzger joins us to discuss the risks of tariff actions on soybean exports, concerns over trade policy and production costs, and the importance of Farm Bill updates.
Higher biofuel mandates boost long-term crop demand, but a tighter D4 market may pressure biofuel feedstocks and pose new soybean oil demand risks.
According to a tweet from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the full House vote on the Farm Bill will be held until lawmakers return from recess.
Roger McEowen joins us to explain the USDA appeals process and how farmers should navigate adverse decisions and crop insurance disputes.
EPA’s approval gives citrus growers a new disease-fighting tool against greening at a time when production losses remain severe.
The House is moving forward with debate on the Farm Bill after a lengthy session in the House Rules Committee cleared the legislation for floor consideration.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation shares how teens are helping fuel stronger demand for traditional U.S. dairy products.
The latest Meat Demand Monitor shows strong retail demand for beef products like ribeye steaks and ground beef.
Analysts say poor crop conditions seen on the annual Hard Red Winter Wheat Tour, combined with cheaper overseas grain supplies, are weighing on the industry as the annual tour wraps up.
Mike Wilson says years of hard work and stewardship helped transform the farm for future generations.
The longtime extension leader and former state senator says agriculture continues shaping his work and values.
Officials say the tool could give Florida citrus growers another option against a disease that has devastated production for decades.