From the Grand Canyon to the Great Lakes, POET’s Senate champions are proving that biofuels aren’t just a regional issue, but a national solution powering America’s farm economy and energy dominance. Senators John Thune (R-SD), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) represent a broad spectrum of constituents, yet each is a strong supporter of American bioethanol.
Senator John Thune has been one of Congress’ most enduring advocates for farmers, rural communities, and biofuel producers. From his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996 to his current role as Senate Majority Leader, he has been an unwavering ally to American agriculture and domestic energy. He has led initiatives to advance U.S. biofuels, like year-round nationwide E15, which he described as a “readily available energy solution to leverage American agriculture and displace foreign sources of oil, all while lowering transportation emissions.” His leadership has kept biofuels central to Congress’ energy and agriculture agenda.
During her first term in the Senate, Senator Elissa Slotkin has quickly built on her record of championing biofuels in the House of Representatives. A former CIA analyst, Senator Slotkin views energy security as national security, often calling for an all-of-the-above energy approach that leverages biofuels.
“Biofuels are a clear win for Michigan farmers and consumers, and critical to supporting a diverse, all-of-the-above approach to secure American energy independence,” said then-Congresswoman Slotkin after receiving Growth Energy’s Fueling Growth Award in 2024. Her pragmatic approach underscores biofuels’ role in supporting Michigan’s agricultural economy and advancing America’s energy independence goals.
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Senators John Thune, Roger Marshall, Elissa Slotkin, and Ruben Gallego
Representing more than 55,000 farms, Senator Roger Marshall is a relentless fighter for Kansas agriculture and biofuels. He understands that biofuels are indispensable to a prosperous future for America’s farmers. In discussions surrounding Congress’ recent reconciliation package, Senator Marshall stood firmly behind the 45Z clean fuel production credits. He often highlighted the importance of 45Z for opening new markets for farmers and strengthening rural America.
“Folks, 45Z is going to do more for agriculture than all the soybeans and sorghum we sold to China in the past five years,” said Senator Marshall at an event with USDA. “This bill empowers our agriculture communities and secures our family farms for generations to come. Now, as a fifth-generation farm kid, I learned how agriculture underpins our economic stability, our public health, our national defense, our geopolitical autonomy, and our rural way of life.” His dedication guarantees America’s farmers always have a seat at the table in our nation’s Capital.
Hailing from the Grand Canyon State, U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego has also continued his commitment to American biofuels as he was sworn in to the Senate this year. In both the House of Representatives and the Senate, he has supported year-round nationwide E15, a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and lower gas prices. With Arizonans facing sky-high prices at the pump, Senator Gallego repeatedly urged the Biden and Trump Administrations to re-examine the state’s fuel restrictions.
“As we work to uphold existing agreements between Arizona and the EPA, and to protect our state’s air quality, we must also ensure that we are keeping consumers in mind,” wrote Senator Gallego in a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Arizona’s families and business owners should not have to pay almost a dollar more than people in other states because of CBG [Cleaner Burning Gas].” Through his career, Senator Gallego has proven that smart biofuel policy benefits drivers across the country while promoting America’s clean energy future.
This broad coalition of lawmakers reflects just how critical biofuels are to America’s future. Republicans and Democrats, leadership and freshman legislators, and representatives from both northern and southern states are coming together around a shared vision. From
boosting the farm economy to bolstering U.S. energy independence, bioethanol stands ready to tackle some of our most pressing challenges. POET PAC is grateful to have these champions – and many others – who carry that message to Washington, D.C.
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