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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC Begins Construction on Biodiesel Refinery near Washington

JOHNSTON, Iowa - Jun 13, 2006 - Iowa Now Has 6 Operating Biodiesel Refineries and 5 Under Construction

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today congratulated Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC for beginning construction on its biodiesel refinery near Washington, Iowa. The facility will process soybean oil and animal fats into 30 million gallons of biodiesel and 3 million gallons of glycerin annually.

“Iowa is quickly becoming the leader in biodiesel production,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director. “Large, new generation biodiesel refineries like Iowa Renewable Energy are changing the face of the industry. Biodiesel is poised to become an integral part of the diesel market over the next few years.”

The refinery is being built by the Renewable Energy Group (REG). REG was formed through a partnership with West Central Coop in Ralston, Iowa, engineering and construction firm Todd & Sargent in Ames, Iowa, and in alliance with process equipment builder Crown Iron Works, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“We at Iowa Renewable Energy are pleased to be able to bring this project to not only Washington, but to all of SE Iowa. Renewable fuels are going to play an increasingly important role in meeting the energy needs of our nation. This 30 million gallon biodiesel production facility will help secure Iowa’s place as a leader in renewable fuel production, use and technology”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Currently, Iowa has 11 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of nearly 200 million gallons either in operation or under construction. In addition, Iowa has 25 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce over 1.5 billion gallons annually. There are 4 ethanol refineries and two expansions under construction with a combined annual capacity of 425 million gallons. 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.