Wisconsin farm and industry leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to underscore the value of clean fuel and ensure soy-based biofuels remain part of the nation’s energy strategy.

WSA Director Shawn Conley, Wisconsin soybean farmer Jonathan Gibbs, and WSA Executive Director Adam Kask joined the Clean Fuels Alliance of America for its annual board meetings and Day on the Hill. The trio met with key members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation — including Reps. Mark Pocan, Gwen Moore and Derrick Van Orden, along with Sens. Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson — to highlight the economic and environmental benefits of biodiesel and renewable diesel.

A key stop included a productive conversation with Rep. Van Orden, who welcomed the Wisconsin team to discuss pathways to keep low-carbon liquid fuels driving the country forward.

“We really appreciate Rep. Van Orden taking time to meet with us,” Kask said. “Sometimes on these visits we only get meet with staffers for our legislators. Meeting directly with our leaders helps us streamline the conversations.”

Throughout the day, WSA leaders pressed for strong, predictable federal policy. Their top priority was urging EPA to finalize Renewable Fuel Standard volumes that align with the agency’s preliminary proposal. The group also advocated for reallocating small refiner exemptions back into the RFS so those waivers do not undermine overall volume obligations.

“We had very good visits overall,” Gibbs said. “It’s always important to work on getting more markets and uses for our soybeans.”

The Wisconsin delegation raised additional concerns about foreign-produced feedstocks and fuels flooding the U.S. market, emphasizing the need to prioritize domestically produced biofuels. They also encouraged lawmakers to ensure maritime fuel qualifies for the same tax incentives as on-road diesel — a move especially meaningful for Great Lakes states and shipping along the St. Lawrence Seaway.

For WSA, the trip reinforced a simple message: Wisconsin farmers are ready to help power America with homegrown, low-carbon energy.