(Radio Iowa) – The Environmental Protection Agency is recommending a Renewable Fuels Standard for 2026 that would be a record amount — 24 billion gallons of biofuels produced for blending with petroleum based fuels. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association executive director Monte Shaw says it would continue corn-based ethanol production at 15 billion gallons next year — along with a big increase in renewable diesel and biomass-based diesel.

“The last Biden rule that they did for three years really underestimated the growth in biodiesel and renewable diesel, so it really hamstrung the growth in the industry from being what it could have been,” Shaw says. Soybean-based biodiesel is produced in Iowa. Renewable diesel is generally made by the petroleum industry. The public can now weigh in on the E-P-A’s recommended production levels for renewable fuels.

“We like most of what’s in here,” Shaw says, “but we will still be engaging in the public comment period.” Shaw says that’s because the final rule for biofuels production has been adjusted in the past based on public reaction. The Trump Administration’s proposal includes some provisions to limit bio-fuels imports.

Iowa is the nation’s top producer of ethanol and biodiesel. The proposed Renewable Fuels Standards for 2026 as well as 2027. Iowa elected officials are praising the proposal. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says the E-P-A’s announcement sends a welcome and optimistic growth signal to an important industry.