To the editor:

Question: What bipartisan, commonsense law enacted in 2005 under President Bush is directly responsible for creating more than 73,000 Iowa jobs, providing more than $5 billion in wages to Iowa workers, decreasing United States dependence on foreign oil, and increasing choices at the pump for American consumers? 

Answer: The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). 

As far as “commonsense” goes, the RFS seems like the dictionary definition. Renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel are cleaner for the environment than typical motor oil, are homegrown and locally processed, and loosen the grip Big Oil has on the motor fuel industry. What could be more American? Despite sounding like a no-brainer, the RFS is under threat from Big Oil special interests. They would rather monopolize the industry than give Americans an alternative choice at the pump. It’s time Iowans spoke up.

Iowa’s position as the first-in-the-nation caucus gives us a special opportunity to influence visiting presidential candidates. Plenty of candidates on both sides of the aisle see the importance of protecting the RFS, but there is still time to influence the others. Protect your choice at the pump, protect Iowa jobs and wages, and make sure your candidate supports a strong and enduring RFS.