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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2008

Northey to Speak at Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

All speakers, panelists now confirmed for the 2nd annual event on Jan. 31

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today announced that Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will provide a special address at the 2nd Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on Jan. 31. Northey has made renewable fuels and value-added agriculture a top priority of his administration.

“We’re thrilled to have Secretary Northey join us at the summit,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “With his background, Sec. Northey understands the synergies between renewable fuel production and use and the entire Iowa economy. He joins an all-star cast at the summit.”

The event, being held from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines, is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Participants can register online at www.IowaRFA.org, where they’ll find more links and information relating to the summit, or by calling Matt Bockert at 515-252-6249.

“We’re on pace to register more than the 400 we had last year. I think that’s partly because the program is designed for everyone from the general public to industry insiders,” Shaw said. “Participants will explore the economic impact of renewable fuels, learn about advances in feedstock and production technology, and discuss exciting new markets for renewable fuels.”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 28 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce over 2 billion gallons annually.  There are 18 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add 1.6 billion gallons of annual capacity. In addition, Iowa has 16 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 350 million gallons either in operation or under construction.  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.

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