FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Lucy Norton, Managing Director, 515-225-9242
Monte Shaw, Executive Director, 515-225-9242

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      Press Contact:  Monte Shaw
April 16, 2007                                                                                                             515-252-6249

Central Iowa Energy Begins Production at Biodiesel Refinery near Newton

Iowa Now Has 10 Operating Biodiesel Refineries and 4 Under Construction

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today congratulated Central Iowa Energy for beginning production at its biodiesel refinery near Newton, Iowa.  The facility will process soybean oil and animal fats into 30 million gallons of biodiesel and 3 million gallons of glycerin annually.  The facility is owned by over 500 Iowa investors, including many farmers.

            “With diesel prices going higher, Central Iowa Energy is providing a homegrown, cost-effective alternative to petroleum diesel,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director.  “Increasingly, farmers and truckers view biodiesel as a way to save money, improve engine performance and life while at the same time doing the right thing for our country.”

The refinery was built by the Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REG) of Ralston, Iowa.  REG has been retained by Central Iowa Energy to manage the plant and market its output.

            “As a national leader in renewable fuel production and marketing, we are very proud of this plant,” said REG President Nile Ramsbottom.  “We believe in the talent and vision of Iowans to shape this industry, and the Central Iowa Energy plant is a testament to the commitment.”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has ten biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 165 million gallons in operation.  Four biodiesel refineries under construction will add 150 million gallons of capacity.  In addition, Iowa has 28 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 1.9 billion gallons annually.  There are 19 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add over 1.4 billion gallons of annual capacity.  Many additional renewable fuels projects are under development.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s ethanol and biodiesel producers.  The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.