WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced legislation to defend America’s rural energy production from China and other foreign adversaries that wish to purchase American farmland and other land critical to America’s renewable energy and economic security.

The Defend America’s Rural Energy (DARE) Act would amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 to prohibit investment by foreign adversaries – including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea – in U.S. real estate suitable for renewable energy or renewable fuels production, particularly ethanol and biodiesel.

“Domestic energy production is critical to Iowa’s economy and our national security. In Iowa alone, our biofuels industry supports roughly 57,000 jobs and generates $7.2 billion towards Iowa’s GDP. But we cannot let our guard down when it comes to defending our rural energy sector and our energy security from foreign influence,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Due to recent aggressive behavior, we know that our foreign enemies – especially China – have their sights set on our most vital, yet finite resource in rural America: our farmland. That’s why I am proud to lead the DARE Act to defend our farmers and energy producers from Chinese influence and foreign land grabs. While President Biden continues his war on American energy production, I will always protect our farmland and biofuels industry so that Iowa can help make America energy independent again with homegrown ethanol and biodiesel.”

In Iowa, corn and soybean production constitutes roughly 94% of total crop yield. This figure underscores the urgency of protecting Iowa’s energy-producing farmland from China while making our country energy independent again.

According to the USDA, China’s agricultural investment abroad – particularly in the United States – increased tenfold between 2009 and 2016.

You can find legislative text HERE.

(contributed press release, Rep Randy Feenstra)