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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2008

Celebrate Earth Day by Thanking Iowa Biodiesel Producers for Decreasing our Dependence on Foreign Oil, Fighting Global Warming

Earth Day is a perfect time to assess Iowa’s role in helping to protect the environment and combat global warming. One way we are helping to fight global climate change is through the production and use of cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine and is blended with regular diesel fuel.

Here in Iowa, there are 14 biodiesel plants capable of producing more than 315 million gallons of biodiesel per year. These biodiesel plants are helping displace foreign oil with biodiesel made from animal fats and vegetable oils grown and produced in Iowa.

In 2007, the U.S. biodiesel industry produced enough fuel to offset nearly 12 million barrels of oil and the greenhouse gas emissions reductions associated with biodiesel use was the equivalent of removing 700,000 passenger vehicles from America’s roadways.

“Biodiesel provides tremendous environmental benefits and has the best energy balance of all commercial fuels produced in the United States,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “For every unit of fossil energy it takes to make domestic biodiesel, 3.5 units are gained. Biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable and the use of biodiesel results in cleaner air and water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced energy security and a robust Iowa economy.”

“For example, U.S. biodiesel industry initiatives have led to recycling of agricultural waste in Iowa as most Iowa biodiesel refineries are producing biodiesel from waste animal fat from rendering facilities,” he said.

“It is no surprise that President Bush described biodiesel as the most promising renewable fuel for meeting the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) when he spoke to a global gathering of renewable energy leaders in Washington, D.C. last month.”

Iowa biodiesel producers are already making a significant contribution in the fight against climate change through its leadership with biofuels.  In the coming years, we must further increase our commitment to biodiesel fuel which has the potential to reduce carbon and other emissions, add good-paying, green jobs to the economy, decrease dependence on foreign oil and increase the availability of soy protein for humans and animals to eat.  

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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