The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today congratulated the Iowa Senate for voting unanimously to pass Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 5 (SCR 5) that  urges the United States government to continue its commitment to energy independence and maintain its support of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

SCR 5, in part, states: “The United States government is urged to renew its commitment to this nation’s energy security, move the United States toward greater energy independence and security as required by the federal Energy Independence and Security Act, and use all efforts to meet the highest possible renewable fuel volume requirements set forth in RFS2 in order to ensure that this nation achieves energy independence.”

“I commend the Iowa Senate for showing solidarity with the Iowa Congressional delegation by urging the federal government to stand behind the federal RFS, our nation’s most successful energy policy,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “The RFS forms the bedrock of Iowa’s economic resilience – creating good-paying Iowa jobs, boosting Iowa’s farm income, and reducing prices at the pump for Iowa consumers.  The RFS is vital to Iowa’s economic future and IRFA will oppose any effort to undermine it.”

Randy Olson, CEO of the Iowa Biodiesel Board said of the bill, “The legislature’s resolution makes clear our state’s commitment to renewable fuels like biodiesel, and shows backbone to the few but vocal opponents of the RFS-2. It is gratifying to see continued support from our state’s leaders, who recognize the RFS and federal tax incentive for biodiesel as smart energy policy living up to their promise.  On behalf of the biodiesel industry in Iowa, we thank the state legislature for standing up for biodiesel.  It’s not only in our state’s best interest, but also our nation’s, and we’re proud to see Iowa once again at the forefront of leadership in this important industry.”

The bill passed by a vote of 50-0 and now goes to the Iowa House for consideration.