Contact: Cassidy Walter
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State and future of Iowa biofuels highlighted at annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

JOHNSTON, IOWA – In the past year, the Iowa renewable fuels industry has undergone its largest expansion in a decade. Production is on the rise and it is clear Iowa biofuels are ready to not only survive in the U.S. energy landscape, but to thrive. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw discussed biofuels’ bright future in his remarks today at the 2018 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit.

“We have new technologies and new pathways to increase production,” Shaw said. “We see new domestic and foreign market opportunities within our grasp. In sum, despite predictions of doom and gloom from some in the oil industry and their friends on Capitol Hill, the biofuels industry in general – and Iowa biofuels producers specifically – are not only going to survive, but they’re going to thrive over the next year and beyond.”

Shaw emphasized Iowa’s role in a larger national debate over the direction of the country’s energy strategy.

“Opportunities are there, and it is up to Iowa to help lead the way,” Shaw said. “We saw this year what Iowa farmers could do even when Mother Nature didn’t cooperate very much. We’ve seen Iowa producers expand and innovate. We’ve seen Iowa elected officials drive the policy debate on the state and federal level. We’ve seen Iowa retailers embrace fuel choice for their customers. And we’ve seen Iowans step up to lead the push for new markets in China, Mexico, and around the globe.”

Shaw also recognized that in addition to the ample opportunity for growth there are many pending questions – including future Renewable Fuel Standard levels, E15 RVP parity, advanced biofuels tax credits, and more.

“We may not like the answer to some or even many of these questions,” Shaw said. “I do worry about them. But I also sleep well at night – because I am confident that the biofuels industry will thrive. Depending on the answers to the questions, it may be an easier or harder path, but the destination is the same. Biofuels will continue to grow and gain market share. Simply put, biofuels have the most positive attributes of any liquid fuel. Biofuels have what consumers are looking for. Biofuels will thrive.”

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 nearly 4.4 billion gallons annually – including approximately 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 400 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.  

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