Des Moines Sun

Congressman Zach Nunn, who represents Iowa's 3rd congressional district, recently highlighted legislative efforts and milestones related to agriculture, renewable energy, and rural economic development in a series of posts on his social media account.

On August 8, 2025, Nunn commemorated the anniversary of a key federal policy: "Today marks 20 years of the Renewable Fuel Standard, a milestone that’s driven innovation, strengthened U.S. energy independence, and created thousands of Iowa jobs. I’ll keep fighting for policies that put Iowa biofuels at the center of America’s energy future. " The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), established in 2005 as part of the Energy Policy Act, mandates blending renewable fuels into transportation fuel supplies—a measure credited with supporting agricultural markets and boosting local economies across states like Iowa.

Later that day, Nunn addressed food insecurity and support for local producers through new legislation: "We’re bridging the gap between Iowa’s farmers and families in need. I’m proud to lead the bipartisan Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act, a commonsense bill that gets fresh, local food to the table, supports small and veteran producers, and cuts food waste." The proposed act aims to connect small-scale farmers with community members facing hunger while also reducing excess food loss.

On August 9, 2025, Nunn emphasized support for rural businesses: "Iowa’s small businesses power Main Street and keep our rural communities strong. Our bipartisan Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act cuts red tape and gives local entrepreneurs the tools they need to grow, hire, and thrive." This initiative is designed to ease regulatory burdens on microenterprises in rural areas by providing financial resources and technical assistance.

Nunn's focus on these issues aligns with ongoing efforts in Congress to bolster domestic biofuel production—an industry particularly significant for Iowa—and enhance access to locally produced foods through federal nutrition programs. Additionally, measures like those mentioned by Nunn reflect broader national discussions about supporting entrepreneurship outside urban centers.