FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Monte Shaw, 515-252-6249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 2 , 2009

Cutting Edge Issues to Dominate Panel Discussions at Third Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

Panel Topics Look to “Fuel the Truth” About Biofuels

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today announced the topics of panel discussions of the 3rd Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit. The event is hosted by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and will take place at the Polk County Convention Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on January 27, 2009.

The first panel topic is “RFS2: Holding Renewable Fuels to a Higher Standard?” This panel will discuss whether federal law holds ethanol to stricter greenhouse gas standards than gasoline and review energy efficiency trends in the renewable fuels and petroleum industries.

The next panel topic is “Beating the Blend Wall.” This panel will highlight the increase in biofuels production and how greater use of E85, mid-level blends and B20 are essential to future demand.

The final panel topic is “Linking the Value Chain.” Panelists will discuss the future of the biofuels industry and the increasing synergies between biodiesel and ethanol production.

The summit is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required, which can be done at www.IowaRFA.org. Anyone with questions or to obtain information on exhibiting can contact Lucy Norton at the IRFA office at (515) 252-6249. Last year’s summit drew over 1,000 people, and more are expected this year.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 36 ethanol refineries with a combined annual capacity of nearly 2.9 billion gallons in operation.  There are 7 ethanol refineries under construction that will add 850 million gallons of capacity.  In addition, Iowa has 14 biodiesel refineries with the capacity to produce over 317 million gallons annually.  Two biodiesel refineries under construction or expansion will add 35 million 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 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.