Iowa legislators at their first day back at the Capital this week reauthorized the Iowa Biofuel tax differentials. The lawmakers extended and modernized the differentials for E-15 and higher ethanol blends and B 11 and higher biodiesel blends. That was one of the priority measures for the Iowa Corn Growers Association. ICGA Government Relations Director Mindy Larsen Poldberg says the other priority measure they’re backing is cost share funding for biofuel infrastructure.

She says while those two measures will be beneficial for agriculture as a whole, there is no plan currently by legislators to approve any coronavirus relief bills at the state level.

Poldberg is hoping lawmakers don’t pass any tax measures as that would be tough on agriculture which is already dealing with a financial strain. She expects more of legislator’s focus to be on funding and the budget.

Poldberg says the biofuels legislation is even more critical this year given the pressure ethanol and biodiesel producers have been under and any state assistance for that is appreciated.