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Monte Shaw 515-252-6249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                               

January 12, 2011                                                                                                                         

2010: Ethanol Production Up, Biodiesel Production Down

Renewable Fuels Production in Iowa Heads Different Directions

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today announced that Iowa’s ethanol production was up in 2010, while biodiesel production was down.  Forty-one Iowa ethanol plants produced 3.5 billion gallons in 2010, up from 3.2 billion gallons in 2009.  Without the federal blenders tax credit for 2010, many of Iowa’s 12 biodiesel plants did not operate at all.  Those that operated produced 48 million gallons of biodiesel in 2010, down from 85 million gallons in 2009.

“2010 certainly told two different stories for renewable fuels,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw.  “Iowa ethanol plants expanded production as demand for ethanol grew with rising gasoline prices.  On the other hand, biodiesel plants were struggling just to survive.  We believe 2011 will witness more demand for both ethanol and biodiesel, but there will continue to be challenges.  Iowa plants are well positioned to overcome these challenges because the state is committed to a more renewable future.”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.7 billion gallons annually. In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 315 million gallons annually.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. 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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