FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 

Press Contact: Monte Shaw

October 23, 2012

515-252-6249

Despite Upcoming Trips to Iowa, Governors Seeking RFS Waiver Decline Invitation to Tour Iowa Ethanol Plant and Cattle Operation

IRFA Invites Virginia Gov. McDonnell and Texas Gov. Perry to Hear Other Side of Story

JOHNSTON, IA – Texas Governor Rick Perry and Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell declined recent invitations from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) to visit an Iowa ethanol plant and family cattle operation while visiting the state. Both governors, who have political visits to Iowa scheduled this week, made formal requests to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2012 and 2013.

       “Given that both governors made formal requests to abandon the RFS, one of the most successful energy policies in U.S. history, IRFA was very disappointed to learn that Gov. Perry and Gov. McDonnell have declined our invitation for a quick visit to an Iowa ethanol plant and family cattle operation while in the state,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “IRFA respects the governors’ right to act in the best interest of their states as they see it, but given their national profile this would have been an excellent opportunity for them to hear the other side of the story – a side they’re not hearing from the special interests in their home states.”

       The invitation letter stated:  “IRFA would love to show you an ethanol plant in action as well as a neighboring cattle operation to demonstrate how these two important agriculture segments benefit each other, even during challenging times such as the current drought. We are certain this experience will respectfully challenge the sincere, but faulty assertions made to you regarding the need for an RFS waiver request."

       Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 13 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 320 million gallons annually.  In addition, Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.7 billion gallons annually and one new facility under construction.

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

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For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org