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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 18 2008

Production Begins at VeraSun Energy’s Ethanol Plant in Hartley

VeraSun Now Largest Ethanol Producer in Iowa

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) congratulates VeraSun Energy for starting production at its newest ethanol refinery near Hartley, Iowa. The new facility will process roughly 39 million bushels of corn into 110 million gallons of ethanol and 350,000 tons of distillers grains annually.

      “Iowa’s ethanol industry continues to grow and VeraSun Energy is leading the way,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “At a time when skyrocketing oil prices are making it difficult for people to fill up their gas tanks, Verasun is increasing production of a cheaper, cleaner alternative that will help provide some relief.”

      The Hartley facility is VeraSun Energy’s fourth operating ethanol plant in Iowa and its 13th in the U.S.  With 440 million gallons of annual production capacity in Iowa, VeraSun becomes the largest producer in the state, surpassing ADM.

      “We are pleased to bring our Hartley ethanol biorefinery into production,” said VeraSun CEO Don Endres. “It is one of the largest and most efficient facilities in the nation and further expands VeraSun’s production platform to provide additional scale to our business. We appreciate the support of our team, business partners, and the community of Hartley to help make this day a reality.”

      Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 31 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 2.4 billion gallons annually. There are 13 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add nearly over 1.4 billion gallons of annual capacity.  In addition, Iowa has 14 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 315 million gallons in operation.  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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For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at:  www.IowaRFA.org.