Press Contact: Monte Shaw

December 27, 2013

515-252-6249

New Plants Signal Potential for Higher Production in 2014

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today announced that Iowa’s 42 ethanol plants produced 3.7 billion gallons during 2013, matching 2011 and 2012 production. Iowa continues to be the number one ethanol producing state, and is estimated to account for roughly 28 percent of national ethanol production in 2013.  However, the recent start-up of a new wet mill and three cellulosic ethanol projects slated to begin production in 2014 provide hope for growth in 2014.

“Iowa ethanol production was up in 2013, but not enough to round the decimal point,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “With the record U.S. corn harvest in the bin and new production facilities coming on line, there is hope that Iowa can once again expand ethanol production.  But hanging over that potential like a gray cloud is the EPA proposal to cut the RFS.  Maintaining the RFS would launch new E15 and E85 markets and Iowa could easily grow to meet the demand.  But without a strong RFS, we’ll be looking for export opportunities to drive production.  That’s sad when you consider the U.S. still imports a sizeable chunk of its crude oil.”

IRFA is urging all Iowans to contact President Obama and the EPA to urge them to stand behind a strong renewable fuel standard (RFS).  Those wishing to submit a comment can do so at:  www.fuelsamerica.org/defend-the-RFS.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 3.8 billion gallons annually, with three 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.