IRFA Elects Officers, Executive Committee for 2015

Press Contact: T.J. Page

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Maintaining a Strong and Growing RFS and Increasing Consumer Access to E15 and Higher Biodiesel Blends is Top Priority

 

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today announced its Board of Directors, Officers and Executive Committee for 2015, elected at its Dec. 11, 2014 annual meeting. Each producer member has a seat on the Board and votes on officers. New officers will serve a one-year term during the 2015 calendar year.

2015 IRFA Board of Directors Officers

 

President                         Brian Cahill, Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy

Vice President                 Tom Brooks, Western Dubuque Biodiesel

Treasurer                         Eamonn Byrne, Plymouth Energy

Secretary                         Rick Schwarck, Absolute Energy

Executive Director        Monte Shaw (non-voting)

The IRFA Executive Committee is comprised of the IRFA Officers and other members as elected by the Board. Elected to join the IRFA Officers on the Executive Committee for 2015 are:

Past President                 Steve Bleyl, Green Plains, Inc.

At-Large                         Brad Albin, Renewable Energy Group

At-Large                         Craig Willis, Archer Daniels Midland

“The renewable fuels industry had many accomplishments this past year, but many challenges remain for 2015,” stated IRFA President-elect Brian Cahill. “Providing certainty in the marketplace and leveling the energy playing field through the restoration of a strong and growing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and allowing greater consumer choice at the pump through wider availability of E15 and higher biodiesel blends will be crucial to building upon the progress we’ve made. I’m excited to help lead the IRFA during this very important year.”

Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing more than 3.8 billion gallons annually, including 22 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity and one cellulosic ethanol facility 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.