Press Contact: T.J. Page

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JOHNSTON, IOWA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today thanked Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) for his unwavering support of Iowa’s renewable fuels industry.

In response to Sen. Harkin’s announcement to retire over the weekend, IRFA President Rick Schwarck stated, “Sen. Harkin has been a staunch supporter of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa, and the work he’s accomplished in renewable fuels policy serves as a benchmark. Sen. Harkin’s role in implementing the first energy title in the Farm Bill, strong support of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS),  and personal calls to the White House to increase the 2013 renewable volume obligation (RVO) for biodiesel have been instrumental in ensuring Iowa’ renewable fuels industry can compete against the highly subsidized and mandated petroleum industry.”

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.