Ethanol has been a widely accepted fuel for cars for decades.

More recently, biodiesel became a fuel option for big trucks.

Now federal lawmakers from Iowa are joining a bipartisan push to bring biofuels to the skies.

Republican senators Charles Grassley and Joni Ernst are co-sponsoring a measure to expand the use of sustainable aviation fuel. U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, is co-sponsoring the House version of the bill.

“An investment in the development of sustainable aviation fuel is an investment in our national security, our environment, and our farmers,” Ernst said in a written statement.

Grassley noted that embracing biofuels is a positive development for Iowa farmers and the environment.

“By expanding opportunities for investments in sustainable aviation fuels at the USDA, our bill aims to diversify and onshore American energy production while encouraging economic activity,” Grassley said.

With this bill, the lawmakers dig into various federal rules and regulations with the goal of making it easier to produce sustainable aviation fuel in the United States.

The bill is called the Farm to Fly Act. It would do these things:

• Clarify eligibility for sustainable aviation fuel in United States Department of Agriculture programs.

• Provide for greater collaboration and private sector partnerships for sustainable aviation fuel

• Provide a common definition of sustainable aviation fuel to enable U.S. crops to most effectively contribute to those fuels

The Senate bill is co-sponsored by senators Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois; Jerry Moran, R-Kansas; and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota. The House bill is sponsored by Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio. Feenstra is among seven co-sponsors.

The bills await action by Congressional committees.