Case Study: Getting Iowa’s Landmark Biofuels Bill Across the Finish Line

Result: In May 2022, Governor Kim Reynolds signed House File 2128, making Iowa the first state in the nation to adopt an E15 standard and expanding access to higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.

The challenge

Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of ethanol and biodiesel, but expanding consumer access to higher biofuel blends required legislation that could earn broad support in both chambers of the Legislature.

Jake Swanson’s role

Before founding HYS, Jake Swanson served as Governor Reynolds’ lead agriculture and energy policy adviser and worked on the biofuels bill from the Governor’s office. The bill passed the Iowa House 81–13 and the Iowa Senate 42–3, and the Governor signed it on May 17, 2022, on a family farm near Prairie City.

“Jake Swanson was incredible in making sure we got the biofuels bill across the finish line. He put a lot of work into it, and I was grateful for his efforts in helping get that done.” — Governor Kim Reynolds

Why it matters

Governor Reynolds said the bill “sets the stage for the single largest expansion of biofuels in our state’s history.” Today, HYS brings that experience to clients in energy, biofuels and agriculture. Learn more about our energy and biofuels government affairs work, read how HYS helped protect an $18 million tax benefit for Iowa cattle producers, or email info@hystrategies.com.

Source: Office of the Governor of Iowa, May 17, 2022.