The Iowa Corn Growers Association has great motto:
Corn Grows Iowa
Corn does indeed grow Iowa. Iowa is a farm state and ethanol is the third rail of Iowa politics. Even presidential candidates from oil rich states have to tread carefully at caucus time when talking about ethanol.
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association has been running ads almost non-stop on WHO radio. The ads decry the federal government forcing electronic vehicles on consumers. But in what I think is unintended irony, the ads encourage support for House File 2128 that would involve the state government forcing many gas stations and convenience stores to carry more ethanol blend varieties. Governor Reynolds and Agriculture Secretary Naig support the bill. At least the bill is a little bit less odious than last session’s attempt that had fewer options for stations to opt out.
I do not use the phrase RINO but I do prefer that Republicans act like Republicans. Even in Iowa — even when it comes to ethanol. I am not anti-ethanol nor am I anti-farmer. I am however anti-mandate and pro-free market.