Soy Energy, a 30 million gallon per year biodiesel plant in Mason City, Iowa announced it will be temporarily suspending production and that some employees will be impacted. Iowa has 13 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 320 million gallons of biodiesel per year. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following comment: “First, our …
Governors Decline Iowa Hospitality
Despite planned trips to Iowa, Texas Governor Rick Perry and Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell declined invitations to visit an Iowa ethanol plant and cattle operation from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). Both governors were part of a group that filed for waivers of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) for 2012 and 2013. At this time, the Environmental Protection Agency …
IRFA Gets Words of Support From Romney
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) members grabbed the ear of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney for a moment Tuesday and got him to say “I do” – support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and ethanol, that is. After listening to Governor Romney speak at an Iowa farm, IRFA President Brad Albin with the Renewable Energy Group (REG) and past president …
IRFA Launches 2012 Election Campaign Webpage
With the presidential elections only a few weeks away, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has unveiled a new web page that highlights the stances of President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney regarding their positions on renewable fuels. As the campaign progresses, additional information will be added. “Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of both ethanol and biodiesel, …
Iowa Bioenergy Tour Huge Success
The 4th Annual Biofuels: Science and Sustainability Tour took place recently hosted by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The three-day tour brought several Washington, D.C. policymakers and regulators to Iowa for a inside and hands on look at the renewable fuels and agricultural industry in the state. Participants had the opportunity to talk with many renewable fuels experts, agriculture leaders …
Major Auto Companies Endorse E15
In response to strong sales of E15 in areas where the ethanol blend is offered, Ford Motor Company and General Motors (GM) announced their recommendations for use of E15 in their new vehicles. GM added the recommendation of E15 for its 2012 and newer vehicles, while Ford recommends E15 for its 2013 and newer vehicles. In response, Iowa Renewable Fuels …
Linn Co-op is Iowa’s First Retailer to Offer E15
History was made today when the first gallon of E15 was sold in Iowa. Linn Co-op Oil Company in Marion is the state’s first retailer to give customers with 2001 or newer vehicles the choice of filling up with 15% ethanol blended fuel. “We are honored to be Iowa’s first retailer to offer E15 to our customers who have been …
New Billboard Touts E15 to Iowa Motorists
A new billbord courtesy of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association introduces E15 to motorists in in Marion, Iowa. This IRFA news release says the new billboard will go up at Linn Co-op Oil Company, the first EPA-approved retailer in Iowa to sell E15 for 2001 and newer vehicles, SUVs, and light-duty trucks. “We’re excited that we’re only a week away …
Top 10 Efficiency & Technology Innovations
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has released a Top 10 list of efficiency and technology innovations of the past decade. IRFA Vice President and Absolute Energy CEO Rick Schwarck noted that while a lot has been written about the ethanol and biodiesel industry since the passing of the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2005, not enough focus has been on …
IRFA Renews Safety Alliance
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has renewed its safety alliance with the Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Iowa OSHA) for two years. The partnership is designed for the two organizations, through IRFA’s Safety Task Force, to explore best management practices and improve the recognition and control of workplace hazards in ethanol and biodiesel plants throughout Iowa. “The safety …