2018 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Recap

The 2018 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit featured an exciting speaker line-up of high-level biofuels industry experts to discuss a “Brighter Future with Biofuels.” The one-day renewable fuels event on January 30, 2018 at the Prairie Meadows Conference Center not only attracted 65 sponsors and vendors and over 800 attendees, but also a wealth of inspiring discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s renewable fuels industry.

To learn more about the event, check out the full Summit recap below.

Welcome to the 2018 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) President Eamonn Byrne kicked off the 2018 Summit by welcoming the crowd, discussing the program, and recognizing the event’s sponsors.

The State of Iowa’s Renewable Fuels Industry

IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw discussed the state of Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel industries.

To view Shaw’s presentation, click here.

To view a copy of Shaw’s prepared remarks, click here.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds addressed the 2018 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit for the first time as Iowa’s Governor. She discussed the need to defend the Renewable Fuel Standard, advocate for E15 RVP parity, and more.

Market Outlook Roundtable

INTL FCStone Senior Consultant Mike Blackford and Iowa State University Associate Professor of Economics Chad Hart joined Iowa Corn Growers Association CEO Craig Floss to discuss the future market opportunities and outlook for the biofuels industry.

To view Blackford’s presentation, click here.

2018 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Industry Keynote

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor gave the 2018 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit keynote address. Her remarks focused on the growing popularity of E15 and reaching consumers to use this exciting new fuel option.

To view Skor’s presentation, click here.

Policy Outlook Roundtable

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, National Biodiesel Board COO Doug Whitehead, National Corn Growers Association Public Policy Director Kathy Bergren, and Sarah Caswell, vice president of government and regulatory affairs for Edeniq, Inc. joined IRFA Policy Director Grant Menke to discuss the future of key federal policies such as the Renewable Fuel Standard, biodiesel tax credit, and E15 RVP parity.

Talking Biofuels: Do’s and Don’ts

Dave DenHerder, FP1 Strategies

Dave DenHerder from FP1 Strategies gave a quick 101 session on the best strategies to effectively communicate with consumers about the many benefits of biofuels.

To view DenHerder’s presentation, click here.

Electric Vehicles: Friend or Foe?

Neelesh Nerurkar, ClearView Energy Partners, LLC

Neelesh Nerurkar, vice president of ClearView Energy Partners, LLC, discussed what is on the horizon for electric vehicles and how growth in the availability and usage of electric vehicles will likely impact the liquid fuel market.

To view Nerurkar’s presentation, click here.

Biodiesel: From “Hot Grease” to Gold

Paul Lovelace, Co-Director/Producer of Discovery Channel documentary “Hot Grease” joined Renewable Energy Group Executive Director of Manufacturing Operations Derek Winkel to discuss his experiences making the film. “Hot Grease” highlights the growth, history, and environmental benefits of the U.S. biodiesel industry.

Is Your Fuel Killing You? Roundtable

Dr. Zigang Dong, executive director of The Hormel Institute, Dr. Steffen Mueller, principal economist of the Energy Resources Center at the University of Illinois-Chicago, and Angela Tin, vice president of environmental health for the American Lung Association joined Gail Dennison, director of development and public relations at The Hormel Institute, to discuss the latest research on the adverse health effects of petroleum fuel and the ways biofuels can help.

To view Dr. Dong’s presentation, click here.

To view Dr. Mueller’s presentation, click here.

To view Tin’s presentation, click here.

IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton wrapped up the Summit by thanking attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors.