ALBIA, IOWA (May 17, 2019) — New York Mayor Bill de Blasio toured the POET Biorefinery in Gowrie, Iowa and discussed the benefits of value-added agriculture in rural America. De Blasio was joined by Secretary Tom Vilsack, who served both as Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture under President Obama and as Governor of Iowa. “Heading to an ethanol plant on your first trip to Iowa is a smart move,” said Sec Vilsack. “Biomanufacturing is a critical component of Iowa's economy and America's future. Ethanol facilities are one part of the value-added agriculture-chain that brings good jobs to a renewable product, boosts the local economy, and reduces greenhouse-gas emissions. "Presidential candidates need to understand this issue and the struggles we're facing. Mayor de Blasio learned a lot today about an industry that has grown a great deal but still faces avoidable barriers to market access. Trump has failed to get year-round E-15 approved for the summer driving season, and he has crushed ethanol demand by allowing big oil to skirt the rules. These policies are hurting Iowans and the nation. "Resolving these barriers and investing in a renewable energy future is good for our economy and our environment, and it's good for workers across the Midwest. I think Mayor de Blasio heard that today, and I encourage all of the candidates to take part in similar visits and discussions." Focus on Rural America Chair Patty Judge commended de Blasio for making the stop. Judge has served Iowa as Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Agriculture. “I’m happy to see that more and more candidates are visiting biofuels facilities in rural Iowa,” said Judge. "The policies coming out of President Trump’s White House are just devastating," continued Judge. "As farm income falls, Trump is adding to the pain with his reckless trade negotiations and his oil and gas handouts. We need leaders who are going to stand up to him and chart a new course for rural Americans. “To do that, we need to win. That means showing up in rural communities and learning about the issues they’re facing. Democrats have a lot to offer rural America — solutions for rural hospitals, investments in education and broadband, and improved housing and infrastructure — but first we need to show up, listen, and partner with them on a plan to revitalize rural communities.” During the tour, Mayor de Blasio received an educational briefing from staff, met with workers at the facility, and discussed with Sec Vilsack the importance implementing the Renewable Fuels Standard as written and intended, stopping Trump’s reckless oil and gas giveaways and ensuring biofuels are a part of America’s energy future.
Focus on Rural America is a nonprofit organization aimed at boosting progressive causes and organizations by developing and promoting economic messages that resonate in rural America.
