Iowa's junior US Senator thinks a loud and clear message was sent to the EPA about supporting biodiesel's place in the nation's Renewable Fuel Standard. Republican Joni Ernst tells KASI News she, along with Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley and senators from Nebraska and South Dakota, made clear to EPA Adminstrator Scott Pruitt this week that they expect biodiesel levels to be maintained in the RFS. Ernst says she backs Grassley's pledge to stall EPA nominees who don't voice clear support for the RFS.
Meantime, President Trump got an earful from Governor Reynolds on Wednesday. Trump called the governor, who complained about the EPA's proposed rules that she feels will hurt renewable fuels. Reynolds says she thinks the Trump administation and the EPA are listening. Bloomberg News is reporting that Trump told the EPA after the call to "back off" of its plans regarding renewable fuels. Reynolds says she also used her time with the president to push for Iowa's Obamacare waiver, which is still awaiting approval.