Contact: Cassidy Riley
515-252-6249

JOHNSTON, IOWA — In honor of his long-time support of renewable fuels, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recognized Gov. Terry Branstad with the Lifetime Champion of Renewable Fuels Award at the 2017 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit.

Throughout his distinguished career, Branstad has supported several policy initiatives that have helped expand the production and use of renewable fuels, including converting the state fleet to E85, championing value-added agriculture, and embracing nation-leading public policies such as the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, Biodiesel Production Tax Credit, and E15, E85 and biodiesel tax credits for retailers. To recognize his consistent support of renewable fuels he was presented with a plaque and an inscribed “Don’t Mess with the RFS” desk ornament.

“Governor Branstad’s support for renewable fuels has been unparalleled and unwavering,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “No one in America has done more to defend the Renewable Fuel Standard.  Gov. Branstad embodies the sentiment of ‘Don’t Mess with the RFS.’ Under his leadership, Iowa has become the leader not only in ethanol and biodiesel production, but in biofuels policy as well.  Our hope is this award serves as a mere token of our heartfelt appreciation.”

Branstad is President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to China. Following his expected confirmation by the U.S. Senate he will step down from his position as Governor of Iowa and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds is to succeed him.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production with 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4 billion gallons annually – including nearly 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce over 350 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.

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