WASHINGTON DC (07/31/2025) – The Institute for Energy Research (IER) has filed three Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to determine whether a conflict of interest exists with Kailee Tkacz Buller, a former oilseed, edible oil, and corn refining lobbyist serving as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Before serving in her current role, Ms. Buller served as President of the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) and the Edible Oil Producers Association (EOPA), and previously lobbied for SNAC International and the Corn Refiners Association. These roles place her in close alignment with key industry stakeholders who stand to benefit from administration policies, funding, and research in the biofuels sector.
IER sent the following FOIA requests to the USDA:
IER President Tom Pyle issued the following statement:
“The Department of Agriculture wields significant influence in shaping biofuel markets and directing billions in subsidies and infrastructure funding. Given Ms. Buller’s deep ties to the industries that directly benefit from these programs, the public deserves full transparency as to whether she has properly recused herself from agency decisions involving her former employers and what exact role she is playing in shaping federal biofuels policy. For example, the administration is advancing new Renewable Fuels Standards that, if enacted, would be the highest volume requirements ever. We are hopeful that the USDA will be thorough and timely in fulfilling our request.”
The USDA plays a central role in promoting biofuels through initiatives such as:
- The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), which provide financial incentives to boost ethanol and biodiesel infrastructure;
- Loan guarantees through the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program;
- Research and development via the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA);
- Strategic partnerships with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to shape national bioenergy policy.
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