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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2006

Western Dubuque Biodiesel Begins Construction on Biodiesel Refinery near Farley
IowaNow Has 6 Operating Biodiesel Refineries and 7 Under Construction

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

“Western Dubuque Biodiesel is responding to the overwhelming demand for biodiesel,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director. “This project is proof that locals can work together to develop and build a world class biodiesel refinery. Iowa is clearly at the heart of this movement. ”

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.

“The interest in our project has been overwhelming,” said George Davis, Treasurer for Western Dubuque Biodiesel. “We are anxious to to take a place in Iowa's renewable energy industry. ”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Currently, Iowa has 13 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 250 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.