September 2, 2025

Media Contact: Hannah Love

515-322-0435

WEST DES MOINES, IA – Today, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) announced she will not be seeking re-election next term. Ernst has served in the U.S. Senate since 2015 and is the first female combat veteran to serve in the chamber. Ernst has been a vocal advocate for renewable fuels and Iowa agriculture. 

“From the Iowa Senate to U.S. Senate, Sen. Ernst has been a relentless champion for renewable fuels and farmers,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Her dedication to expanding access to renewable fuels and defending Iowa’s agricultural economy has made a real difference. Sen. Ernst was literally the tip of the spear in defending the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) from refinery exemptions and in pushing for year-round E15. However, it’s important to remember she’s not done yet. Congress must pass year-round E15 this year to provide farmers a lifeline during these difficult times. Plus, her recent bill to update fuel retailer compatibility standards could take years off of the transition to E15. On behalf of all IRFA members, I sincerely thank Senator Ernst for her service and wish her the best in her next chapter.” 

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production with 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4.7 billion gallons annually – including 34 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 10 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 416 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.  

###