The Renewable Fuels Association this week mourned the passing of ethanol industry pioneer Bob Reynolds, whose 40-plus-year career trajectory made him one of the nation’s top experts on fueling the internal combustion engine. Reynolds was profiled as part of the organization’s 40th anniversary series in 2021 and received numerous industry awards. His family reports that he passed away peacefully Thursday morning after a short battle with cancer.

Reynolds, who was president of his company Downstream Alternatives, received the RFA Lifetime Appreciation Award in 2015 and the industry continues to benefit from his work in developing fuel standards and technical guidelines for auto manufacturers.

It was Reynolds who brought the ethanol industry into the National Conference of Weights & Measures and ASTM International, recognizing the importance of producers having a seat at the table when standards and regulations are being developed. For this work, he was recognized with the ASTM Award of Appreciation in 2006, and ASTM Awards of Excellence in 2009, 2010 and 2014.

Listen to interviews with Reynolds below to hear his perspectives on the ethanol industry now and then.
RFA 40th Anniversary feature
Ethanol Report 7-29-21 (14:49)
Interview from 2015 National Ethanol Conference
Interview with Bob Reynolds, RFA Award Winner