EPA Administrator Zeldin Announces American Farmer First Policy During Three-Day Swing in Iowa and Wisconsin
October 14, 2026
Contact Information
EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
WASHINGTON – Earlier this week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin traveled across Iowa and into Wisconsin for a number of meetings and engagements with farmers, industry leaders, veterans, and local officials where he highlighted the Trump EPA’s efforts to support American farmers, advance right-to-repair efforts, strengthen domestic energy production, and improve water infrastructure.
During his swing through Iowa, Administrator Zeldin announced EPA’s proposal to reallocate 100% of additional 2025 small refinery exemption volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard at the Dubuque County Farm Bureau in Iowa. The proposal keeps the agency’s promise to propose 100% reallocation by the end of October and furthers the Trump Administration’s commitment to open stable markets for American farmers to sell their crops. If finalized as proposed, the 100% reallocation will ensure that farmers in Iowa and across the country do not lose the demand for their crops, while also unleashing American energy.
The announcement came on the heels of Administrator Zeldin and U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson’s (R-IA-02) tour of Big River United Energy ethanol facility in Dyersville, Iowa. The visit highlighted the role of American biofuels, which will benefit from EPA’s proposal if finalized, in supporting farmers, rural economies, and domestic energy production.
 On Sunday, October 11, Administrator Zeldin visited Summit Products, a member of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), in Altoona, Iowa. While there he discussed EPA’s implementation of its February Right to Repair guidance and President Trump’s Freedom to Fix memo. The President’s memo directed EPA to deliver two things: ensure every American has the Freedom to Fix their vehicle and reduce the reliance on California’s emission certification process for aftermarket vehicle products. He highlighted EPA’s work to ensure farmers and equipment operators have the right to repair their own equipment instead of being forced to take it to a dealer, which is often more expensive. Administrator Zeldin touted EPA’s July decision to recognize SEMA as a certification authority for aftermarket vehicle parts.
To celebrate National Farmer’s Day on Monday, October 12, Administrator Zeldin participated in a farmers’ roundtable at Savor the Barn in Monticello, Iowa. Administrator Zeldin met with representatives from the Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, and local agricultural producers to discuss EPA actions to grow the agriculture economy while maintaining strong environmental protections including EPA’s work on to end deratements caused by Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system failures, the agency’s E15 waivers, EPA’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) proposal, and more.
 Later in the day, Administrator Zeldin and Representative Hinson spent time with local veterans at the Veterans Freedom Center in Dubuque, Iowa. During the visit they heard powerful stories about veterans helping veterans as they transition back home. The pair ended the day by touring Dubuque’s Water & Resource Recovery Center, where a $2 million federally funded project is planned to support upgrades to the facility’s capacity to treat high-strength waste. The improvements are intended to help the facility better serve local residents and businesses.
  Administrator Zeldin ended his 3-day Midwest swing by meeting up with Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03) in Cuba City, Wisconsin where they toured the sixth generation Tranel Family Farms. The Trump EPA’s work reversing DEF deratements, restoring the Right to Repair, and applying common sense to environmental regulations were major topics throughout the visit.
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