Iowa Third District Congresswoman Cindy Axne is disappointed that biofuels were omitted from President Biden?s initial infrastructure proposal.
Axne recently wrote to leaders of the House and four committee chairs to urge inclusion of investments and incentives for the biofuels sector in the House?s infrastructure package. In an interview with KMA Radio, Axne said biofuels benefit both the environment, and the nation’s economy.
“You know, we certainly hear a lot of talk about electric vehicles,” said Axne. “I know that biofuels are a clean energy that can really boost the economy, and, of course, be incredibly beneficial to Iowa, and our farmers, and our community as a whole. So, I want to get this in there. I think it’s really important that it makes it into the infrastructure bill. It should be part of the clean energy economy. It starts there.”
During a call with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Axne raised concerns about the omission of biofuels solutions from the White House?s initial proposal. She says direct investment is needed on upgrading gas pumps, so that more ethanol-blended fuels can be sold across the county.
“You know, one of the things we need to do is upgrade our pumps, so that we’re able to sell more,” Axne said. “When we’re not able to sell more E-10, we lose capabilities. So, this to me is truly an infrastructure bill. That’s why I told Secretary Buttigieg last week. It’s what I told Secretary Vilsack, and It’s what I told President Biden in the past.”
The letter was sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and the Chairs of the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Ways and Means.
“We certainly know that within climate, and changes related to that, there’s a great opportunity for clean biofuels,” said Axne. “Our biofuels are getting cleaner by the day, as well. I’ve never seen a more innovative industry, quite honestly, since they’ve come to fruition to where they are now. So, as I continue to talk with folks who are involved with these issues, we’re going to make sure we have a seat at the table.”
The full text of the letter can be found here.
