January 9, 2012
Issue # 146
Renewable Fuels Are Winners in Iowa Caucus
Caucus Winners Support Renewable Fuels Standard
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) declared that the Iowa Caucus results
trumpeted a big victory for renewable fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. Both former Governor Mitt Romney and former Senator Rick Santorum expressed their support for the federal renewable fuels standard while campaigning in Iowa. In addition, both candidates were 4-for-4 on ethanol issues according to the Iowans Fueled With Pride Iowa Caucus Voter Guide. (For more information on the voter guide, visit www.IowansFueledWithPride.com.)
“Despite scant attention on agriculture issues by the national media, both Governor Romney and Senator Santorum prioritized rural and ag issues,” stated IRFA Past President Walt Wendland. “It came as no surprise to us that friends of ethanol fared well in the Iowa Caucus. The nation needs an energy policy that recognizes the importance of domestic renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel.”
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, the fourth place finisher, is also a strong supporter of ethanol and biodiesel while the bottom two finishers, Representative Michele Bachmann and Governor Rick Perry, refused to support the renewable fuels standard.
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Iowa Ethanol Production Ticked Up in 2011
Growth Slows as E10 Market Becomes Saturated
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recently announced that Iowa’s ethanol production ticked up in 2011, but the rate of annual growth slowed as the domestic E10 market became saturated. Forty-one Iowa ethanol plants produced 3.7 billion gallons in 2011, up from 3.5 billion gallons in 2010. This represents 27 percent of the estimated 13.8 billion gallons of nationwide ethanol production.
“2011 was certainly a good year for Iowa ethanol producers with increased production and profitability,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “However, we relied on export markets for growth and ethanol’s tax credit has expired. Those factors place a premium on pushing the rapid commercialization of E15. Higher blends like E15 are the only way to guarantee increased ethanol production in the future and the jobs and foreign oil displacement that comes with it. We are waiting for final federal approvals, but Iowa will be a leader in E15.”
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Iowa and National Biodiesel Production Sets Record in 2011
Industry Roars Back to Life After 2010, But Challenges Remain
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recently announced that Iowa’s biodiesel production set a new record in 2011 after a very difficult 2010. Ten of Iowa’s 13 biodiesel plants operated during 2011 and produced a combined 169 million gallons. With plants restarting throughout the year, the rate of biodiesel production in December reached over 250 million gallons (annualized).
“2011 has been a banner year for Iowa biodiesel,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “The reinstatement of the biodiesel tax credit combined with the renewable fuels standard (RFS) jumpstarted demand and Iowa was quick to respond. Yet challenges remain in front of us. Congress once again allowed the biodiesel tax credit to lapse at the end of last year. With the RFS firmly in place, we do not expect the industry to completely shut down as it did in 2010. But the uncertainty of reinstatement will undoubtedly depress demand. Congress must act quickly in 2012 to extend the tax credit.”
Iowa produced 48 million gallons of biodiesel in 2010. The previous record production was 85 million gallons in 2009.
On the national level, the National Biodiesel Board reported that according to EPA, nearly108 million gallons of Biomass-based Diesel were sold during the month of November, continuing a record year of production. Biodiesel makes up the vast majority of the EPA's Biomass-based Diesel category under the Renewable Fuel Standard program, representing about 95 percent of the volume this year.
November’s numbers raise the total U.S. biodiesel production in 2011 to an all-time record of 908 million gallons with one month of production left to report. The previous annual record for biodiesel production was 690 million gallons in 2008.
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Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit & Trade Show
Register Today for Iowa’s
Premier Renewable Fuels Event!
January 24, 2012
Institute for Analysis of Global Security
Dr. Gal Luft
“Foreign Oil: Funding America’s Enemies”
Other highlights include:
- Retired Four-Star General Paul Kern
- Former National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane
- National Outlook for Biodiesel
- Newest Ethanol Blend – E15
- Balance Between Ethanol & Livestock Production
- Growing Iowa’s BioEconomy
Summit & Trade Show are FREE and open to the public.
Limited Exhibit Space Still Available
Pre-registration is required.
Register Today at: http://iowarfa.org/2012Summit.php
Veterans Memorial/Community Choice Credit Union
Convention Center
833 5th Avenue, Des Moines
For Lodging, click here.
Contact Lucy Norton at lnorton@IowaRFA.org
Phone: 515-252-6249
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Only One Week Remaining to Enter the "Fuel the Future" Video Contest
$2,000 in Cash Prizes Available for Top Three Video Entries Promoting Ethanol and Biodiesel
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is now accepting entries for the 2nd Annual “Fuel the Future” video contest for Iowa high school students. IRFA is looking for the best student video highlighting the importance and benefits of renewable fuels—such as ethanol and biodiesel—to local communities, Iowa and the nation. The top three video entries will receive prizes in the amounts of $1,000, $600 and $400 respectively; will be featured at the 2012 Iowa Renewable Fuel Summit on January 24th; and will be posted on IRFA‘s YouTube® channel.
The “Fuel the Future” contest is limited to students currently attending high school (grades 9-12 in a public, private or home school) in Iowa. Video entries may not exceed three minutes in length and must be submitted to IRFA via DVD, flash drive, or secure web link. All completed video entries must be received in the IRFA office by January 13, 2012, to be considered for the contest. For more information, including the official entry form and contest rules, please click here. For additional questions, please contact Grant Menke at (515) 252-6249 or gmenke@iowarfa.org.
Joining in sponsoring the video contest is the law firm
of Faegre Baker Daniels LLP.
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Free Renewable Fuels Workshop for Iowa Retailers and Distributors
A coalition of petroleum and renewable fuels organizations will be hosting a Renewable Fuels Workshop on January 11, 2012, at the Sheraton Inn in West Des Moines. The Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB), Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa (PMCI), and Renewable Energy Group (REG) are coming together to provide fuel retailers and distributors with insight on what’s in store for renewable fuels in 2012.
“This is a great opportunity for Iowa retailers to learn about new opportunities for 2012,” said Lucy Norton, IRFA Managing Director.
Workshop topics include renewable fuels blend economics, biodiesel market outlook, E15, new state tax incentives for ethanol and biodiesel effective in 2012, and state funding for biofuels infrastructure. A trade show will feature the latest storage and dispensing equipment for biofuels.
The workshop is free; however, pre-registration is required. Fuel retailers and distributors may register here.
For more information on ethanol and biodiesel, visit:
www.iowabiodiesel.org
www.iowaRFA.org
www.pmcofiowa.com
www.regfuel.com
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IRFA Salutes the Following Summit Sponsors and Exhibitors |
GOLD SPONSOR |
Growth Energy |
| American Coalition for Ethanol |
Iowa Corn |
| BetaTec Hop Products |
Novozymes North America, Inc. |
| DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol |
Pioneer |
| Eide Bailly |
Renewable Fuels Association |
| Growmark FS |
Seneca Companies |
| Hydro-Klean, LLC |
Syngenta: Enogen |
| INTL FC Stone |
|
| VIDEO CONTEST SPONSOR |
| Faegre Baker Daniels LLP |
| Advance Trading Inc. |
Interstates Companies |
| AMEC |
INTL FC Stone |
| American Coalition for Ethanol |
Iowa Central Fuel Testing Lab |
| American Engineering Testing |
Iowa Corn |
| BetaTec Hop Products |
Kincannon & Reed |
| BioCentury Research Farm, ISU |
Lallemand Ethanol Technology |
| Cellencor |
Moss |
| Christianson & Associates, PLLP |
Pinnacle Engineering |
| DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol |
Pioneer |
| Eide Bailly |
Renewable Fuels Association |
| Fagen, Inc. |
Seneca Companies |
| FEC Solutions |
SGS |
| Growmark FS |
Syngenta: Enogen |
| Growth Energy |
The Walling Company |
| Hydro-Klean, LLC |
Thompson Environmental Consulting |
| ICM, Inc. |
Vertical Software, Inc. |
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Federal Judge Finds California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard Unconstitutional
A judge in Federal District Court in Fresno, California, recently sided with America's ethanol industry in ruling that the State of California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is unconstitutional. Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill agreed with the arguments that the LCFS is in violation of the Commerce Clause the U.S. Constitution.
In a joint statement, RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen and Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis said: "The state of California overreached in creating its low carbon fuel standard by making it unconstitutionally punitive for farmers and ethanol producers outside of the state's border. With this ruling, it is our hope that the California regulators will come back to the table to work on a thoughtful, fair, and ultimately achievable strategy for improving our environment by incenting the growth and evolution of American renewable fuels."
The ruling allows CARB to appeal Judge O'Neill's decision immediately to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. RFA and Growth Energy will defend the Judge's decision that the LCFS is unconstitutional in any appeal that may be filed by CARB.
Click here for complete story.
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Iowa Biodiesel Leaders Unveil Iowa State/Iowa Basketball Radio Advertisements
When the Iowa State and Iowa men’s basketball teams tipped off their conference play earlier this month, Iowa’s biodiesel leaders unveiled new radio ads to urge consumers to ask for biodiesel from their fuel supplier.
“These radio ads are designed to encourage Iowans to learn more about the industry’s starting line-up of performance, quality, support for Iowa agriculture, green-job creation, as well as price and availability,” said Jon Scharingson, Director, Sales and Marketing at Renewable Energy Group® who is part of the group coordinating the ads. “Whether you’re a Hawkeye or a Cyclone, we want Iowa diesel engine operators to ask for biodiesel blends from their local petroleum marketer whether it is at the retail pump or for delivery to their business, fleet, or farm.”
The radio ads are sponsored by Ames-based biodiesel producer, Renewable Energy Group; the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, the Iowa Soybean Association and the Iowa Biodiesel Board to encourage consumers to ask for biodiesel blends from their local fuel retailer, coop or petroleum marketer.
According to the Iowa Department of Weight and Measures, a five percent biodiesel blend (B5) has the same performance and quality attributes as straight diesel fuel.
“B5 biodiesel blends can perform in any diesel engine in any season,” said Scharingson. “We urge consumers to ask for this home-grown, Iowa-made fuel from any petroleum marketer in Iowa.”
The ads are partially funded by the soybean check-off.
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Registration Now Open for 2012 National Ethanol Conference
 Registration is open for the National Ethanol
Conference: Accelerating Industry Innovation, to be held Feb. 22 to 24 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando. The conference is will focused on vital marketing and public policy issues.
Click here to register now. |
Registration Now Open for 2012 National Biodiesel Conference
Registration is open for the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, to be held Feb. 5-8 in Orlando, Florida. Topics such as Governmental policy, technical issues and marketing trends in the biodiesel industry will be explored by biodiesel decision-makers from across the world.
Click here to register now. |
Cane Ethanol Production is Dirtier than Initially Thought
American and Chilean researchers have discovered that Brazilian sugarcane-based ethanol production generates up to seven times more pollutants and greenhouse-gas emissions than initially thought, according to a report in the journal Nature Climate Change. Using farm data in Brazil from 2000 to 2008, the researchers found that the life cycle emissions of cane ethanol were 1.5 to 7.3 times higher than previous estimates from satellite-based methods, according to the lead researcher.
Click here for complete story.
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USDA Helps Install Four Blender Pumps in Iowa Through REAP
This was the first year blender pump projects qualified for assistance through REAP. The program was created in the 2008 Farm Bill to provide assistance to agricultural producers and businesses in rural areas to make energy efficiency improvements, install renewable energy systems and conduct energy audits and feasibility studies. The agency determined late last year that blender pumps,
otherwise known as flexible fuel pumps, qualify for assistance under REAP and has since been focused on providing funding for those projects as part of a larger USDA initiative to establish 10,000 blender pumps throughout the U.S. within five years.
The four Iowa companies to receive the blender pump grants are:
- Freedom Rock Renewable Fuels LLC - two grants totaling $99,503 to install three pumps
- Heller Implement Inc. - $36,001 grant to install three pumps and a new underground biofuel storage tank
- Marcus Junction LLC - $7,500 grant to install one pump
- Mid-Iowa Cooperative - $94,211 grant to purchase and install six pumps
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Team to be Led by Renewables Pioneer, Bernie Punt
Mansfield Renewable Energy recently announced that they have opened a new renewable energy operations office in Sioux Center, Iowa. Sioux Center native and distillers grains pioneer Bernie Punt has been tapped to lead the Sioux Center team as Field Services Manager. This renewable energy location places Mansfield deeper into the grains and ethanol region under the leadership of one of the foremost innovators of wet and modified distillers grains marketing.
Jon Bjornstad, President of Mansfield Renewable Energy, stated, “Bernie is an incredible addition to the Mansfield team. His exemplary leadership during the founding of the Siouxland Energy and Livestock Cooperative in 2000 helped farmers add value to corn crops while incorporating distillers co-products into local markets. Bernie's expertise on the advantages of producing and marketing wet distiller’s co-products provides Mansfield customers the opportunity to work with a proven innovator of producing fuel grade ethanol with high efficiency and a low carbon footprint.”
Bernie has served on numerous industry boards including the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Board of Directors, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Board of Directors, and the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) Board of Directors. Most recently, Bernie has been serving as Chair of the Market Advisory Committee for Growth Energy. His extensive knowledge and proven reputation within the industry was instrumental in opening Mansfield’s Sioux Center office.
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New Biodiesel Distributors!
Kalona Oil Company
Kalona
Petroleum Services Company, LLC
Coralville |
Joe Riley Elected to Iowa Biotechnology Association Board of Directors
Joe Riley, co-founder and general manager of FEC Solutions, was recently elected to the
Board of Directors of the Iowa Biotechnology Association (IBA). The Iowa Biotechnology Association represents more than 100 members and works to unify Iowa's bioscience industry, academic research institutions and economic development organizations to establish a strong identity for the industry. IBA seeks to influence policies on both the state and federal level that enable more efficient growth for biotech-based businesses in Iowa.
"Our board members, from large, small and emerging companies, provide diverse perspectives in growing Iowa's biotech industry," said IBA Executive Director Rachel Hurley. "Co-founding a company that is creating and capturing value from co-products in both the ethanol and biodiesel industries, in addition to Joe's more than ten years in the renewable energy industry, were strong factors in his election to the board of directors.
Riley will co-chair the IBA Membership Committee and will work to grow the Bioproducts Committee for the IBA. He is also an active member and contributor to the Co-Products Committee of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.
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Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship: 25 Years of Serving Iowans
During 2011 the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship celebrated 25 years of serving Iowans. The Iowa legislature conducted government restructuring in 1986 and the outcome was the creation of the Department in its current form.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture was created in 1923 and the state soil conservation agency was created in 1939. The primary change made in 1986 was merging the Iowa Department of Agriculture with the Iowa Department of Soil Conservation.
“The programs and responsibilities within the Department continue to evolve, but its mission remains to provide leadership for all aspects of Iowa agriculture, ensure consumer protection, support food safety and animal health, and promote the responsible use of our natural resources,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.
Currently there are approximately 335 employees of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and they are responsible for a wide range of programs that touch the life of every Iowan. Both Iowans living on the farm and those in our towns and cities are impacted by the work of the Department.
“We don’t know what the next 25 years will hold, but we look forward to continuing to serve the people of Iowa,” Northey said.
Click here for complete story.
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