Absolute Energy ethanol plant and Western Dubuque Biodiesel both recently completed a seeding of Monarch Fueling Stations on their property to provide crucial habitat for monarch butterflies. The seed mixture included native grasses and other plants that attract pollinators but had a special emphasis on milkweed plants. Milkweed is the only plant monarchs can lay their eggs on. Both Absolute …
REG in Newton Seeds Monarch Fueling Station
The Renewable Energy Group (REG) biodiesel plant near Newton, Iowa is growing a monarch fueling station. Local Pheasants Forever representatives recently conducted a seeding of native grasses, milkweed, and other plants that attract pollinators. The mixture has a special emphasis on milkweed plants, the only plant monarchs can lay their eggs on. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Habitat Establishment Coordinator …
Iowa Biofuel Plants Donate Raw Products for Hand Sanitizer
On Monday, two Iowa biofuel plants sent the first donated shipments of ethanol and glycerin to be used by Iowa Prison Industries for the production of hand sanitizer during the national shortage. The donation was made by ethanol producer Absolute Energy and biodiesel producer Western Iowa Energy. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) worked with Iowa Prison Industries to secure …
IRFA Announces Partnership with ISU BioBus
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is announcing a partnership with Iowa State University’s BioBus program, an on-campus, student-run organization that collects used cooking oil from Iowa State’s campus dining facilities and uses it to make biodiesel to be used in the school’s CyRide buses. “We are excited to partner with a group of your scientists who recognize the power and …
Ethanol and Biodiesel Continue to Power Iowa Economy
Despite the challenges of 2019, Iowa biofuel production continued to have a significant impact on Iowa’s economy, supporting over 48,000 jobs and more than $2.4 billion in household income, according to the latest study commissioned by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The study, authored by John Urbanchuk of ABF Economics, also found that biofuels continue to account for over …
USDA Deputy Secretary Addresses Iowa Biofuels Summit
USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky had the pleasure of announcing the Senate passage of USMCA to the crowd at the 2020 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Thursday in Altoona, Iowa. “Just about 20 minutes ago, I’m proud to say that the Senate finally passed the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement on a vote of 89 to 10,” said Censky as the crowd …
RFA CEO Offers Outlook for Ethanol’s Future at Iowa Summit
As the keynote speaker at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Thursday, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said “2019 sucked” but the industry is focusing forward now into the “Roaring ’20s.” Cooper offered four predictions for the new decade. 1. The battle over the Renewable Fuel Standard will continue and intensify 2. The use of low carbon fuel …
Iowa Pink at the Pump® Campaign Raises $20K
Iowa fuel retailers and drivers raised over $20,000 for breast cancer research and support services during the 4th annual Pink at the Pump® campaign, co-sponsored by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPM). Seventy-four retail stations donated three cents of every gallon of Unleaded 88 (15% ethanol) sold from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, 2019 …
Cooper to Keynote Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper will present the keynote address at the 2020 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on January 16th of the new year in Altoona, Iowa. “America’s ethanol producers have a powerful story to tell,” Cooper said. “Whether you’re concerned about jobs and market opportunities in rural communities, clean and sustainable fuel choices in urban cities, …
Iowa Governor Moves State Vehicles to B20
During an appearance at the Iowa Farm Bureau annual meeting in Des Moines Tuesday, Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order requiring that all new state vehicles with diesel engines must be approved to run on B20 biodiesel (a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum-based diesel) or more “Biodiesel is a growing and vital industry in Iowa, and I …