FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Lucy Norton, 515-252-6249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 2009

Earth Day 2009: Power Your Vehicle with Renewable Fuel

JOHNSTON, IA—Earth Day, April 22, is a day dedicated to the celebration of our planet, creating awareness and learning how each citizen, whether a lifelong go-green advocate or taking their first steps towards a greener existence, can instill change for the betterment of our environment.

There are several things we, as individuals, can do to lessen our carbon footprint and become more eco-friendly: reusing water bottles, using compact fluorescent light bulbs, recycling newspapers or simply bringing reusable grocery bags to the store.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) would also like to remind Iowans of another way they can protect our environment and fight global warming, not to mention boost the Iowa economy and lessen our reliance on foreign oil; use locally-made, renewable biofuels to power your vehicle.

In a study commissioned by the International Energy Agency, it was found that the development and use of ethanol in place of petroleum reduces GHG emissions by 39%, with that number continuing to grow year by year, reaching a projected reduction of 55% by 2015. The effects of biodiesel are just as environmentally friendly, with the production and use of biodiesel reducing GHG emissions by 78%, compared to that of petroleum.

“Iowa leads the nation in biofuels output accounting for about a third of U.S. ethanol and 12 percent of biodiesel production capacity,” comments Lucy Norton, Managing Director of IRFA. “Not just on Earth Day but year round, through the production and use of cleaner-burning alternative biofuels, Iowa is striving to do its part in fighting global warming and promoting a go-green attitude and way of life.”

To fill your vehicle with renewable fuel this Earth Day, visit your local gas station to fill up with E10, or visit http://www.iowarfa.org/ethanol_e85refueling.php or http://www.iowarfa.org/biodiesel_retailers.php to find the E85 or biodiesel station nearest you.

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.

For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at:  www.IowaRFA.org.