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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 17, 2008

National Biodiesel Day Highlight's Biodiesel's Role in Greening the Environment, Decreasing our Dependence on Foreign Oil

JOHNSTON, IA - Iowans, don’t put that green away yet! The green benefits of biodiesel give Iowans another reason to wear their green and celebrate on March 18, National Biodiesel Day.

Biodiesel provides many environmental benefits. A 20 percent biodiesel blend reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 20 percent, carbon monoxide emissions by 11 percent and smog by up to 10 percent. In 2006, emissions reductions attributed to biodiesel use were equivalent to the removal of 350,000 passenger vehicles from America’s roadways. 

“While the economics of the biodiesel industry are challenging today, Iowans and Americans need to look at the decision to use biodiesel not purely as a pocketbook decision but also as an environmentally conscience decision that will lessen our dependence on foreign oil,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “Biodiesel is one of the fastest growing industries in Iowa and produces a sustainable fuel that is good for the environment and the economy. As the nation’s leader in biodiesel production, Iowans should celebrate biodiesel and the many benefits that it provides both throughout the state and nation.”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 14 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of nearly 320 million gallons in operation.  Two biodiesel refineries under construction will add 35 million gallons of capacity.  In addition, Iowa has 29 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce over 2.2 billion gallons annually.  There are 14 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add nearly 1.5 billion gallons of annual capacity.  Many additional renewable fuels projects are under development.

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