In China, Branstad Can Push for Better Renewables Trade

Contact: Cassidy Riley
515-252-6249

JOHNSTON, IOWA – Today Governor Terry Branstad was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the U.S. Ambassador to China – ushering in Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds as Iowa’s chief executive.

“Throughout her tenure as a state senator and Iowa’s Lt. Governor, Kim Reynolds has been a steadfast advocate for renewable fuels,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “She was an active part of an administration that continually pushed Iowa policy to the forefront of the nation. As a result, today Iowa is the leader in both biofuels production and policy promoting higher blends like E15 and B20.  We look forward to working with the new Governor to continue growing access to Iowa’s own homegrown, earth-friendly fuels as part of Iowa’s strategy to be a national energy leader.”

Following his Senate confirmation, Governor Branstad will be sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to China. Branstad is the longest serving governor in U.S. history and has been presented the Lifetime Champion of Renewable Fuels award by IRFA.

“While we hate to lose such a passionate supporter for renewable fuels as governor, there are a number of vital trade issues with China that have a major impact on our industry,” Shaw said.  “With over three decades of international trade experience and his personal relationship with the Chinese president dating back just as long, we look forward to working with Ambassador Branstad in his new role to knock down artificial trade barriers between U.S. ethanol and distillers grains and China.”

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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