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This year, America celebrates its 250th birthday.
Two and a half centuries ago, the American experiment began when ordinary citizens stood up and demanded something revolutionary: the right to have a voice in their own government. This nation was built on the radical idea that people should be free to petition their leaders, to influence the decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods, and to have a role in shaping the future for their children and grandchildren.
Our founders understood that true freedom is contingent on the right to speak and be heard — a principle that remains one of the defining strengths of our democracy today. In fact, it was Benjamin Franklin who said, “Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved.”
That belief became the cornerstone of the First Amendment, which protects not only freedom of speech, but also “the right of the people…to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
From the very beginning, Americans have exercised that right by gathering to share ideas, concerns, and solutions with elected leaders. Citizens were practicing what we now call “lobbying” long before a term for it existed; in fact, the word itself originated from people gathering in hotel lobbies and other public spaces to speak with key decision makers.
Lobbying remains an essential part of our political system today. Although it occurs on a much larger scale today, the fundamental principle of it hasn’t changed — it is simply one way that free speech is exercised in a democracy. At its core, lobbying is telling your story, sharing your expertise, and ensuring your voice is heard.
The reality is, policy gets written by those who show up. If you aren’t telling your story, someone else is telling theirs.
That’s especially true for biofuels and agriculture.
The decisions made in Washington, D.C., directly impact rural communities, farmers, biofuel producers, and the families whose livelihoods depend on a strong Midwest economy. At the same time, our competitors are investing enormous resources to influence those discussions. Many of them have more funding, larger organizations, and louder voices.
That’s why POET PAC exists.
POET PAC was created to give POET, the biofuels industry, and rural America a voice. It allows supporters of biofuels to collectively engage in the political process and ensure policymakers understand the value our industry brings to America. And unlike many organizations in Washington, POET PAC does not focus on party affiliation — we believe biofuels are a bipartisan issue.
When lawmakers understand the economic opportunity, energy security, environmental benefits, and rural prosperity that biofuels create, good things happen. But those conversations don’t happen on their own. They require engagement. They require education. And they require people willing to invest in protecting the future they believe in.
We recently saw the impact of that engagement when the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to allow year-round sales of E15 nationwide. This win didn’t happen overnight but was the result of many years of investment by POET PAC and advocacy from biofuel producers, champions, and industry leaders who refused to stop telling the biofuels story.
The House vote represents meaningful progress toward expanding consumer access to E15, but the work is not finished.
America’s founders understood something profound: the future is shaped by those who choose to participate. That same principle applies to our industry today. If we want biofuels to remain a growing force in America’s energy future, we must be willing to engage, advocate, and invest in protecting what we’ve built.
POET PAC needs you! If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll consider joining and supporting this critically important effort. To our current PAC contributors, thank you. Your investment is driving a stronger biofuels industry today and a better world for generations to come.
After 250 years, America’s promise remains the same: when ordinary people unite and use their voices to create change, extraordinary things are possible. Together we can pass year-round E15 and shape the next chapter of our industry — and the next chapter of America.
Contributions to POET PAC are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to POET PAC will be used in connection with federal elections and are subject to the limits and prohibitions of federal law. The maximum an individual may contribute to POET PAC is $5,000 per year ($10,000 per couple). Corporate and foreign national contributions are not permitted under federal law. Please make checks payable to POET PAC. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to obtain and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 per calendar year. Your contribution to POET PAC is strictly voluntary.
Paid for by POET PAC and not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
