Iowa Ethanol Backers Expect Support Despite Democratic Shift

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association's Monte Shaw says he does not expect ethanol support to drop as Democrats gain a majority in the state's congressional delegation.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Isometric editorial illustration of plain grain silos and an ethanol distillation column beside a flat cornfield, in muted oxblood, teal, and mustard. — Iowa's ethanol backers say they do not expect congressional support to fall as Democrats gain a majority in the state's delegation, citing the 45Z tax credit. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Iowa Renewable Fuels Association executive director Monte Shaw said he does not expect a shift in support for Iowa's ethanol industry when Democrats become the majority in the state's congressional delegation. Iowa voters elected five new members to the U.S. House and Senate, four of whom are Democrats, and Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig was re-elected.

Why it matters

Iowa is a major ethanol producer, with 42 plants supplying about 28% of the nation's ethanol, so shifts in congressional support could affect a key agricultural industry. Shaw said supporters must build experience and expertise before the new members become champions of the industry.

Iowa has 42 ethanol plants that produce about 28% of the nation's ethanol. Five new members of Iowa's U.S. House and Senate delegation were elected, four of them Democrats.

The players

Monte Shaw

Monte Shaw is the executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, an industry group advocating for ethanol producers in the state.

Mike Naig

Mike Naig is Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture, who was re-elected in this year's election.

Rob Sand

Rob Sand is Iowa's Democratic governor-elect, who campaigned on support for the state's ethanol industry.

The details

Shaw said he expects agreement on the 45Z tax credit, which helps farmers lower the carbon intensity of corn and soybeans. He described departing Republican lawmakers as champions of ethanol and the incoming members as supporters, and noted that Governor-elect Rob Sand visited ethanol plants and publicly backed ethanol during his campaign.

Next year: Democrats become the majority in Iowa's congressional delegation.
November 10, 2026: Iowa election results were reported.

Roadmap

Ethanol policy in the Midwest has increasingly centered on the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit, which rewards lower-carbon fuel production. Shaw's comments suggest that this credit is likely to remain a shared priority even as the state's congressional makeup shifts.

Iowa drivers and farmers who rely on ethanol-blended fuel may see continued market stability if the 45Z tax credit remains in place. Farmers working to lower the carbon intensity of their crops could also benefit from the credit's support.

The takeaway

Ethanol backers in Iowa are focusing on building relationships and expertise with new lawmakers, since shared priorities like the 45Z credit may carry the industry's policy goals across party lines.