The Des Moines Register

State's biofuels industry seeks federal help

Nine of Iowa's advanced biofuel producers sent a letter last week to the state's six-member congressional delegation to urge quick passage of a tax extenders package that includes provisions for biodiesel blending, cellulosic production, and accelerated depreciation.

"Iowa's entire congressional delegation has shown steadfast support for these important policies, and today we're calling on them to take concrete steps to advance legislation extending these vital provisions that support energy security, American jobs, and a cleaner environment," said Western Iowa Energy Board Member Denny Mauser. "In the face of more than 100 years of preferential tax treatment for petroleum — a literal century of subsidies — these incentives keep advanced biofuel projects moving forward to the benefit of all Americans."

The letter added, "It is absolutely critical to our industry that this Congress pass a tax extenders package. ... prior to final adjournment."

Citing recent comments from the petroleum industry outlining how tax subsidies keep their wells pumping even when the oil market drops, the letter said, "With U.S. energy and tax policy tilted so far in favor of petroleum, if Congress does nothing on the extenders package, there is a very real possibility that many of our industries will suffer. The U.S. will be left with a de facto petroleum mandate."

The letter was signed representatives of Ag Processing; DuPont Cellulosic Ethanol; Fiberight; NuMake, LLC; POET – DSM Advanced Biofuels, LLC; Quad County Corn Processors; Renewable Energy Group, Inc.; Western Dubuque Biodiesel; and Western Iowa Energy.

— William Petroski

Grassley: Loss of seniority not dire

Iowa's legislative seniority will take a huge hit when the new Congress convenes next January, but the dean of the delegation isn't too concerned.

The retirements of U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin and U.S. Rep. Tom Latham and the defeat of U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley strikes a combined 68 years of legislative experience and brings to Washington three lawmakers with a total of four years in elective office. (U.S. Sen.-elect Joni Ernst has served in the Iowa Senate since 2011; U.S. Rep.-elects David Young and Rod Blum have never held office.)

But in a conference call with Iowa reporters last week, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, who has served in the Senate since 1981 and in Congress since 1975, said the loss could be overcome.

Seniority is certainly important in the Senate, he said, but less so in the House – especially since legislators have done away with spending earmarks that in earlier congresses allowed senior lawmakers to direct money to their home districts.

The loss could be most notable not on budget issues but in debates over "broad national policy," he said. A greener legislator may have a tougher time influencing the debate to ensure Iowa's interests are served.

"I guess my advice would be to David Young and to Rod Blum is that you make it up by working hard," Grassley said. "But they're going to work hard anyway."

— Jason Noble

Senator to visit for family, not future

If you happen to bump into U.S. Sen. Cory Booker in Iowa, don't immediately assume he's running for president.

In a Twitter exchange with University of Iowa political scientist Tim Hagle last week, the New Jersey Democrat revealed that his mother's family is from Iowa – home to the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses – and suggested he would be visiting the state soon.

Booker is seen as a rising star within his party, although few see him as a legitimate presidential candidate in 2016. He made waves among caucus-watchers last year when the University of Iowa website briefly listed him as a speaker at an on-campus event. He was running for the Senate in New Jersey at the time, and campaign staff said the listing was the result of a miscommunication. He didn't attend the event.

The tweeted conversation with Hagle began Monday when the professor noted comments from Booker that were critical of agriculture – a big no-no for would-be caucus candidates.

"Not planning Iowa visits anytime soon," Hagle surmised in a tweet that included Booker's comments.

"Actually I am," Booker replied, "my Mom's family is from Iowa and I still have a lot of family there."

— Jason Noble