Energy
ARA supports an all-of-the-above approach to energy, including oil, gas, and continued investment in biofuel to increase domestic natural gas production and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy.
Internal combustion engine bans and restrictions, electric vehicle mandates, and any cuts to the Renewable Fuel Standards would have a devastating impact on the ag industry and rural economies.
ARA Position
- Support federal policies that increase domestic energy production and reduce production costs for crop input materials manufactured in the U.S.
- Work with industry coalitions to promote the development and use of all liquid fuels (oil, gas, biofuels, etc.) to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources.
- Support continued investment in biofuel research and low-carbon technologies.
- Oppose cuts to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
- Support year-round E15 (Nationwide Consumer & Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 – H.R. 1346 / S. 593).
- Support policies that protect consumer vehicle choice, including low-carbon biofuels and internal combustion engines.
- Oppose the removal of hydropower dams in rural areas dependent on this renewable energy source and inland water transport.
Each year, ARA members decide a new set of public policy issues to steer the association's advocacy efforts with elected officials and regulatory agencies in Washington during the annual ARA Legislative Fly-In and beyond.
View the list of main policy priorities.
Biofuel Research
ARA as a member of the Transportation Fairness Alliance released a study that analyzes the impacts of increased electric vehicle penetration on U.S. biofuels, agriculture and the economy. Proposals to ban internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 and 2050 served as the economic models for the study, along with a base case provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook.
The study found that overall, U.S. net farm income would decrease by up to $27 billion due to a proposed ban on gas cars.
DC Help Desk
ARA's DC Help Desk member service is a direct line to ag public policy experts. Send regulatory and legislative questions to the DC Help Desk for support. ARA members may also use this service to request help when scheduling a facility tour with their elected official in Congress.