Domestic energy production is a critical component of both our short- and long-term economic growth, bolsters our national security, and strengthens our international competitiveness.

From getting to work and heating and cooling homes to keeping the lights on and growing crops, our families, farmers, businesses, manufacturers, and many other sectors of our economy rely on reliable, affordable, and abundant sources of energy. President Trump recognized this reality when he declared a national energy emergency on his first day in office and later established a National Energy Dominance Council to explore and implement ways that we can increase domestic energy production and lower energy costs for American families and consumers.

In his declaration of a national energy emergency, President Trump explicitly noted what those of us in Iowa and across the Midwest have known for a long time — biofuels play a pivotal role in restoring American energy independence and supporting U.S. energy dominance. I thank President Trump for recognizing the importance of homegrown Iowa biofuels and appreciate his commitment to our energy security. Now, it is incumbent upon lawmakers to put these words into action. Representing the largest biofuel-producing congressional district in the nation, I have led and co-sponsored several pieces of legislation to unleash the full potential of American biofuels and prioritize our energy independence.

First, I helped introduce the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act with my colleague from Nebraska, Rep. Adrian Smith, to make E-15 permanently available year-round at gas stations in all 50 states. Homegrown fuels like E-15 lower gas prices for our families, support our farm producers, and reduce our dependence on foreign energy from countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. This simple amendment to federal law would not cost taxpayers a single penny, but would deliver fuel savings for drivers to the tune of nearly $21 billion every year and generate more than $66 billion to our Gross Domestic Product annually. Reducing gas prices for Iowans means that our families can save at the pump and invest their money in other ways.

Second, I recently introduced the COST Act, which would direct the comptroller general of the Government Accountability Office and U.S. secretary of energy to compare the financial and environmental costs of replacing the entire federal gasoline-powered vehicle fleet with either electric vehicles or E85 capable flex fuel cars and trucks. Back in 2021, President Biden pledged to replace the entire federal fleet with electric vehicles — a decree that would have been extremely costly and inefficient. That’s why we need to study the full cost of making the entire federal fleet electric because I am confident that vehicles powered by biofuel blends would be much more cost-effective and reliable.

Furthermore, I appreciate President Trump for ending the Biden administration’s radical electric-vehicle mandate on our families, farmers, and businesses. Electric vehicles are expensive, unreliable, and unworkable, especially in rural communities. The components needed to make EV batteries are also largely sourced from China, and we should not be bankrolling the Chinese Communist Party’s mission to undermine the United States and hurt our economy. By promoting flex fuel vehicles, we can support Iowa’s farmers and biofuel producers, prioritize homegrown U.S. fuels over foreign batteries, and strengthen our strategic position against China.

Third, I helped introduce the Farm to Fly Act with my colleague from Ohio, Rep. Max Miller, to advance the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and promote the role that Iowa agriculture plays in developing this future fuel. This legislation would add a definition of SAF to USDA programs, advance SAF research and development, and promote the use of the GREET model. It would also direct the Secretary of Agriculture to work collaboratively within USDA and with other federal agencies to find ways to promote the commercial adoption of SAF. By converting agricultural biomass into airplane fuel, Iowa farmers and producers will benefit from new markets, and we can use domestic energy — instead of foreign oil — to power our planes.

Finally, I helped lead the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act with my colleague from Iowa, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, to support the use of biodiesel and other biomass-based diesel for ships, boats, and other ocean-going vessels. Growing new markets for biofuels is crucial to increasing demand for Iowa agricultural goods and putting more money into the pockets of our producers. Just like we’re doing with jet fuel, we need to expand the use of renewable fuels across more transportation sectors, including boats and ships, to promote homegrown fuels and support our agricultural community.

As the only member of Congress serving on both the House Agriculture Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, I’ll continue to push for policies that open new markets for biofuels, lower energy costs for our families, and support our farmers, energy producers, and rural communities. Liquid fuels and homegrown energy will grow our economy, strengthen our energy security, and put American families and farmers first.

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, represents Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District.