Des Moines Sun

More than three decades ago, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) played a significant role in establishing Iowa's leadership in alternative energy by initiating the first federal wind energy tax credit. Today, wind energy supports over 9,000 jobs and generates more than 60% of Iowa's electricity. In recent legislative negotiations on the One Big Beautiful Bill, Grassley secured a 12-month runway for planned wind and solar projects to commence construction post-enactment. This measure aims to foster investment and innovation in clean energy while providing a path to self-sustainability.

Grassley emphasized the importance of domestic production in renewable fuels, advocating for policies that benefit American farmers. He successfully pushed for the elimination of tax subsidies for renewable fuels made from imported feedstocks, such as used cooking oil from China. Additionally, he worked to extend the Clean Fuels Production Tax Credit through 2029 and provided transition relief for small biodiesel producers affected by previous administration policies.

The new law also addresses challenges faced by Iowa farmers due to high input costs. With President Trump's signature on July 4, it increases reference prices and enhances farm payment programs like Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC). It improves crop insurance options for beginning farmers and raises the death tax exemption to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for couples.

Grassley expressed satisfaction with provisions supporting conservation, agricultural research, trade promotion, and animal health investments aimed at combating diseases affecting livestock producers.