IA Farm Bureau Debates Ethanol Mandate
Delegates to the Iowa Farm Bureau annual meeting this week made some media waves when they rejected language in a resolution that would require an ethanol “mandate” in the state. The delegates reportedly approved “increasing the use of ethanol” in the state, rather than “mandating” it. The policy will not be final until Thursday when delegates meet again, but Radio Iowa quotes Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Lang as saying, “Our membership said choice is best,” and would rather provide incentives to increase use than require it. The state legislature has failed to pass an ethanol mandate yet, but it is likely to be considered again in the next session. Meanwhile, in the nation’s capitol, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is said to be “mystified” by the Farm Bureau action. And Congressman Jim Nussle, who would like to be Governor of Iowa, is in favor of a state mandate to promote American energy – grown in Iowa.