Press Contact: Monte Shaw

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Defending RFS Nationally and Promoting Higher Blends Locally Top Agenda

JOHNSTON, IOWA – During his remarks to the 7th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw today vowed his members are ready for the fight for the renewable fuels standard (RFS) and for consumer access to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends.  IRFA released an economic impact study to highlight the importance of fighting for renewable fuels.

“Today I can assure you that the Iowa renewable fuels industry is ready for the fight ahead,” stated Shaw.  “We know that Big Oil has the money, but we have the facts.  We are ready to fight for more choices at the pump – cheaper, cleaner, homegrown choices.”

Shaw noted that the national priority was to defend the RFS from attacks by Big Oil.  “We should start by protecting the federal renewable fuels standard (RFS) from the assault by Big Oil,” stated Shaw.  “In the face of the federal petroleum mandate and the massive Big Oil tax subsidies, the RFS is the best tool we have to help open doors for ethanol and biodiesel.  The RFS promotes consumer fuel choice at the pump.  The RFS brings more marketplace forces into the fuel sector, not less.”

In Iowa, IRFA called upon Gov. Terry Branstad and the Iowa Legislature to promote higher biodiesel and ethanol blends.  “Iowa does not suck one hydrocarbon out of the ground.  We produce renewable fuels,” Shaw noted.  “Today, IRFA is calling on the Iowa Legislature and Governor Branstad to include a B10 and E15 tax differential in any legislation changing Iowa fuel taxes.”

Economic Impact Study Released During Summit

Relative to other states, the last five or six years have been good for Iowa.  Renewable fuels played a major role in that.  “We must fight for our future,” Shaw concluded.  “So join me in committing to fight for renewable fuels in 2013.”

To underscore the point, IRFA released a study conducted by Cardno ENTRIX economist John Urbanchuk highlighting the impact of the renewable fuels industry on Iowa’s economy.  “2012 was a challenging year for the renewable fuels industry,” stated Urbanchuk. “However, ethanol and biodiesel producers are part of a manufacturing sector that adds substantial value to agricultural commodities produced in Iowa and make a significant contribution to the Iowa economy.”

Based on 2012 production levels, Iowa’s renewable fuels industry:

• Accounts for nearly $5.5 billion, or 4 percent, of Iowa GDP;
• Generates $4 billion of income for Iowa households; and
• Supports nearly 60,000 jobs through the entire economy.

For a one page fact sheet on the study, click here.

To view the full text of Shaw’s remarks, click here.

To read the entire study, click here.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 3.7 billion gallons annually, with one wet mill and two cellulosic ethanol facilities currently under construction. In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce nearly 315 million gallons annually.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.