December 12, 2011
Issue # 145
Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit & Trade Show
Registration Now Open!
Join renewable fuels advocates, business leaders and decision makers from throughout the Midwest for the 6th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on January 24, 2012 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
Program Highlights:
- Foreign Oil’s Impact on U.S. Military Operations
- National Outlook for Biodiesel
- Newest Ethanol Blend – E15
- Balance between Ethanol & Livestock Production
Summit & Trade Show are FREE and open to the public.
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
| American Coalition for Ethanol |
Hydro-Klean, LLC |
| BetaTec Hop Products |
Iowa Corn |
| Eide Bailly |
Novozymes North America, Inc. |
| Faegre & Benson |
Renewable Fuels Association |
| FC Stone |
Seneca Companies |
| Growmark FS |
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Pre-registration is required. To register click here.
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IRFA Honors Senator Jack Kibbie as Lifetime Champion of Renewable Fuels
First-Time Distinction Awarded at Holiday Reception For IRFA Members and Special Guests
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recently honored Senator Jack Kibbie with its first-ever Lifetime Champion of Renewable Fuels award at the organization’s holiday reception. Kibbie was given this award for his long service to the people of Iowa and his unwavering support for the production and use of renewable fuels. Under his leadership, Iowa became a leader in renewable fuels public policy in addition to the production of ethanol and biodiesel.
“Senator Kibbie’s staunch support of ethanol and biodiesel has been vital to Iowa’s continued growth as the nation’s leader in renewable fuels,” said Walt Wendland, IRFA President.
Many IRFA members attended the reception and had the opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with old ones along with speaking with members of the Iowa Legislature.
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Senator Tim Kapucian Jerry Calease (Homeland Energy Solutions), and Rep. Dave Tjepkes |
Joe Riley (FEC Solutions), Randy Ives (Gavilon), and Senator Matt McCoy |
David Witherspoon (Syngenta) and Rep. Dave Jacoby |
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Mike Heller (IRFA Lobbyist) and Rep. Jim Lykam |
Dick Gallagher (Iowa Renewable Energy), Ron Lutovsky (Iowa Renewable Energy), Senator Matt McCoy, and Grant Menke (IRFA) |
Rep. Lee Hein and Brad Albin (REG) |
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Rep. Dave Jacoby, Albin, and Heller |
Senator Jack Kibbie and Brian Cahill (SIRE) |
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IRFA Elects Officers, Executive Committee for 2012
Expanding Consumer Access to E15 and Biodiesel is Priority for New Officers
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recently announced its new 2012 Board of Directors Officers and Executive Committee elected during its annual meeting on December 8, 2011. Each producer member has a seat on the Board and votes on officers. New officers will serve a one-year term during the 2012 calendar year.
2012 IRFA Board of Directors Officers
President Brad Albin, Renewable Energy Group
Vice President Rick Schwarck, Absolute Energy
Treasurer Steve Bleyl, Green Plains Renewable Energy
Secretary Brian Cahill, Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy
Executive Director Monte Shaw (non-voting)
The IRFA Executive Committee is comprised of the IRFA Officers and other members as elected by the Board. Elected to join the IRFA Officers on the Executive Committee for 2012 are:
Past President Walt Wendland, Golden Grain Energy
At-Large Tom Brooks, Western Dubuque Biodiesel
At-Large Craig Willis, ADM
“2011 ended with ethanol and biodiesel refineries running strong,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “The next twelve months are full of opportunity, but very real challenges at the same time. Empowering consumer fuel choice by expanding E15 and biodiesel infrastructure will be vital to the continued success of Iowa’s renewable fuels community.”
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New Flex-Fuel Station!
Heller Implement
310 North 6th Street, Dunlap
Offering:
E10, E15, E30, E50 & E85 plus B2 |
Iowa Corn Releases Presidential Report Card
The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) recently released the Corn Caucus Project Presidential Report Card, a reference guide to presidential candidates’ positions on agricultural policies.
“The Corn Caucus Project is an initiative to help Iowa’s corn growers compare the candidates on agricultural issues,” said Kevin Ross a farmer from Minden and ICGA President. “We do not make any recommendations or endorsements, we just let the candidates speak for themselves.”
The Report Card provides information on candidates’ responses to questions on ethanol, farm programs, Environmental Protection Agency regulations, trade and transportation.
Answers to the survey and issue tracking are available online at www.iowacorn.org/corncaucus.
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IRFA Announces 2nd Annual Renewable Fuels Video Contest for Iowa High School Students
$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 & Benson LLP.
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With 3 Months Left, Iowa Already Sets E85 All-Time Sales Record
3rd Quarter E85 Sales Up 20% over Same Period Last Year
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recently announced that E85 sales in Iowa increased by 20% percent during the third quarter of 2011 compared to the same period last year. According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, sales of E85 by Iowa retailers reached 3.4 million gallons during July to September. With sales hitting nearly 9.8 million gallons during the first nine months, E85 sales in 2011 have already eclipsed the 9.3 million gallons sold during all of 2010.
“It’s exciting to see Iowans increasing their commitment to mid and high-level ethanol blends,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “E85 keeps money here at home and reduces our dependence on foreign oil. Ethanol blends from E15 to E85 are the future for Iowa and America.”
Iowa currently has 158 retail outlets offering E85. A list of all the E85 stations can be found at: www.iowarfa.org/ethanol_e85refueling.php.
Retailers wishing to offer E85 may be eligible for a state grant to offset some of the equipment and installation costs. The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board is taking applications now. For an application, go to: www.iowarfa.org/ethanol_values.php. Contact Harold Hommes, Iowa Department of Agriculture, at 515-242-6237 or harold.hommes@iowaagriculture.gov for more information.
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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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Petroleum Marketers and Renewable Fuels Form Partnership
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa (PMCI) recently announced the formation of a Renewable Fuels Partnership. Representatives of both groups will serve in an advisory capacity to exchange ideas on advancing the availability and use of renewable fuels in Iowa. The two organizations will focus on bringing more renewable fuels to Iowa motorists, addressing the needs of the marketplace and consumer education.
“We’re pleased to be part of an alliance that brings together fuel marketers and producers to work on key issues that will benefit both industries,” said Dawn Carlson, President of PMCI. “Working collectively, we can bolster the distribution network for domestically-produced fuels and strengthen the local economy.”
“IRFA’s ethanol and biodiesel producer members look forward to joining forces with the petroleum marketers’ network to bring more renewable fuel options to Iowa motorists,” said Lucy Norton, IRFA Managing Director. “Cooperatively, we’ll bring a strong education program to consumers on the benefits of having a variety of renewable fuels to meet their needs and their wallets.”
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NBB Members Elect Two Iowans to Leadership Positions
At a recent membership meeting in Washington DC, National Biodiesel Board (NBB) members elected their trade association leadership. The NBB is the industry’s central coordinating entity and works to create sustainable biodiesel industry growth. Governing Board members serve to represent the diverse membership base that set the course for the industry.
Two Iowans were elected to lead the board:
- Gary Haer, chairman, Renewable Energy Group, Inc.
- Ed Ulch, vice chair, Iowa Soybean Association
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Biodiesel Industry Sets New Annual Production Record
According to the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) figures, the U.S. biodiesel industry has set a new record for annual production, proving the power that strong domestic energy policy has in creating U.S. jobs and boosting the economy.
The industry has produced more than 802 million gallons of biodiesel, more than doubling last year's production of about 315 million gallons and breaking the previous record of about 690 million gallons set in 2008. The new record comes as a federal tax incentive for biodiesel was reinstated this year, and as the incentive is in danger of expiring on Dec. 31 without congressional action.
"I can say without question that this tax credit has helped us grow our production and hire new people, and it will play a big role in our growth going forward," said Gabe Neeriemer, president of Patriot Biodiesel in Greensboro, N.C. "This incentive is working, and particularly in this kind of economy when politicians say they're doing everything they can to create jobs, I can't imagine why Congress would allow it to expire."
This year's increased production will support more than 31,000 jobs - up from fewer than 13,000 last year - while generating at least $3 billion in GDP and $628 million in federal, state and local tax revenues, according to a recent economic study conducted by Cardno-Entrix. In addition to creating jobs and economic activity, biodiesel is reducing U.S. reliance on foreign oil, bolstering economic and national security by diversifying our fuel supply, and reducing tailpipe pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
"This tax incentive is without a doubt stimulating production of biodiesel and creating jobs. We're clearly seeing that from our members across the country," said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board. "We have a little over a month before it could expire again, and it is past time that Congress step up and pass an extension to keep this industry's momentum going."
For the whole story, click here.
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Free Renewable Fuels Workshop
For Iowa Retailers and Distributors
January 11, 2012
Sheraton Inn, West Des Moines
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. Pre-registration is required. Fuel retailers and distributors may register here. |
NCGA First Vice President Shares Experience, Information with Women Interested in Ag Leadership
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) helped to motivate and educate the next generation of women farm managers and owners through participation in the landmark Executive Women in Agriculture Conference, hosted by Top Producer magazine in Chicago, Ill.
During this seminar, NCGA First Vice President Pam Johnson spoke to attendees both about her personal experience as a female association leader and the goals of the organization in general during the opening panel discussion on "Women in Agribusiness - Success Stories" and during several breakout sessions. For the 135 attendees, Johnson provided not only advice as a mentor, but also a clear pathway to follow for those interested in pursuing a more active leadership role in the industry.
"At this point, agriculture needs more men and more women to step up to the plate and lead the industry forward," said Johnson. "We gave attenadees ideas and venues that would help them to do so. Whether they choose to do so through NCGA, CommonGround, the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance or other state or national commodity organizations, these energetic young women have unique perspectives and talents to offer that would benefit agriculture as a whole."
To listen to the full Off the Cob interview, click here.
For the whole story, click here.
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ISU Scientists Genetically Increase Algae Biomass by More than 50 Percent
Research at Iowa State University has led to discovery of a genetic method that can increase biomass in algae by 50 to 80 percent. The breakthrough comes from expressing certain genes in algae that increase the amount of photosynthesis in the plant, which leads to more biomass.
"The key to this (increase in biomass) is the combination of two genes that increase the photosynthetic carbon conversion into organic matter by 50 percent over the wild type under carbon dioxide enrichment conditions," said Martin Spalding, professor in the Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology and associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
"There is no doubt in my mind that this brings us closer [to affordable, domestic biofuel]," said Spalding. “Based on some prior research we had done, we expected to see an increase, probably in the 10 to 20 percent range. But we were surprised to see this big of an increase.”
The excess biomass naturally becomes starch through the photosynthesis process, and increases the biomass starch by around 80 percent. This patent-pending technology is available for licensing from the Iowa State University Research Foundation, which also provided technology development funds.
For the whole story, click here.
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U.S. Farmers Wrap Up Harvest With Biodiesel
According to the National Biodiesel Board, farmers across the country have wrapped up their fall harvest and many used portions of the same commodities they have grown to feed the world to fuel their harvest. While food costs have risen in recent history due to rising energy costs, increased global demand, the weak US dollar and commodity speculation, US farmers are taking steps to lower their production costs.
Rising energy costs increase agricultural production input costs and increase the cost of transporting commodities to market. These costs usually get passed on to consumers in the form of increased food prices but having alternatives in the energy market like biodiesel help keep those costs down.
By producing oilseed crops like soybeans, canola, peanuts, and cotton, farmers are growing both high protein rations for humans and livestock feed while at the same time producing a natural oil that can be a renewable energy source when turned into biodiesel. A soybean is made up of 80 percent protein meal and 20 percent oil, a ratio that is similar to other oilseed crops.
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Airport BP Offering E85 in Virginia’s Tidewater Area
According to Domestic Fuel, the Airport BP in the Tidewater, Virginia area is now offering E85 ethanol at its full-service auto repair center and convenience store located near Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport. Airport patrons picking up a flex-fuel rental vehicle or FFV drivers in the Tidewater area can now easily fill up with E85 at Airport BP.
By opening an E85 station with partner Protec Fuel, Airport BP is doing its part to help reduce emissions, lower our dependence on foreign oil and spur domestic economic growth.
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS from IRFA!
Expect to receive the next issue of GREEN Team in early January. |
