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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Monte, 515-252-6249
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2010
IRFA Calls on Obama to Break the Gridlock in Congress on
Biodiesel Tax Incentive to Spur Clean Energy Production
Action Could be First Legislative Step in Obama
Administration Response to Gulf Oil Catastrophe
JOHNSTON, IA – Following President Obama’s Oval Office address to the nation last night, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today called upon the President to break the gridlock in Congress that is holding the biodiesel tax incentive hostage. Reinstating the biodiesel tax incentive would be a positive first step in spurring domestic, clean energy production and restoring green collar jobs.
“Instead of kicking tar balls on beaches, President Obama ought to be kicking the backside of Congress to reinstate the biodiesel tax incentive,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Biodiesel is one of the country’s cleanest energy opportunities; yet U.S. biodiesel production remains crippled by 165 days of Congressional inaction. While the focus must be on confronting the massive plume of crude oil enveloping the Gulf region, our leaders certainly have the multitasking capability to enact legislation that moves us away from our dangerous addiction to that crude oil at the same time.”
Today, the U.S. Senate is considering H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010. Among other things, H.R. 4213 retroactively reinstates the biodiesel tax incentive through December 31, 2010. However, observers feel the Senate currently lacks the votes to pass the measure.
“We watch in dismay as oil threatens the jobs and very way of life in the Gulf region. Yet thousands of jobs have also been lost with the expiration of the biodiesel tax incentive. With Presidential leadership, quick Congressional action can restart the biodiesel industry, thereby restoring those jobs and jumpstarting the country’s march toward a clean energy future,” added Shaw.
Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 39 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.3 billion gallons annually. In addition, Iowa has 14 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce nearly 320 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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For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org
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