Ethanol Lobby's Hidden Hand: How Big Corn Influences Both Parties

The ethanol industry has become highly influential in Washington politics, with both Republicans and Democrats receiving significant support from its lobby. The industry's reliance on government incentives and subsidies has grown significantly since the 1980s, with Congress passing tax breaks and the Renewable Fuel Standard to increase production.

Under the RFS, refiners are required to blend a certain amount of renewable fuels into the nation's transportation fuel supply. The Trump administration increased these blending mandates in 2019, pushing up fuel costs for Americans. Republicans may be delivering victories for ethanol policy priorities, but when it comes to campaign finance donations, the industry supports Democrats over Republicans in swing states.

A deep dive into campaign finance data shows that renewable energy PACs donated more money to Democratic candidates than Republican ones in key races. For example, in 2020, all three groups donated to Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), while Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) received money from POET and Growth Energy.