Contact: Monte Shaw
515-252-6249

JOHNSTON, IOWA – Yesterday evening the U.S. House of Representatives voted 217-215 to pass legislation raising the U.S. borrowing limit in conjunction with various spending cuts and other provisions. Early drafts of the bill included eliminating several tax credits designed to enhance the production of biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol, low carbon fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, and carbon sequestration.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement today:

“IRFA members are appreciative for the outstanding leadership shown by the Iowa House delegation in defending Iowa farmers and biofuel producers during recent debt ceiling negotiations. They led a coalition of Midwest lawmakers in defending our agricultural economy and future opportunities for value-added ag processing. And we were most impressed that they were successful by being responsible, fact-based, evenhanded, and straightforward – just like the people they represent. With thousands of jobs on the line, they did not blink.”

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 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4.5 billion gallons annually – including 34 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 11 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 410 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.

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