2019 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit
The 2019 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit featured an exciting speaker line-up of biofuels industry experts to help attendees GET ENERGIZED! about the future of renewable fuels. The one-day event on January 29, 2019 at the Prairie Meadows Conference Center attracted nearly 55 sponsors and vendors and over 700 attendees. Roundtables and keynote speakers discussed a range of topics covering everything from how biofuels will fit into future petroleum markets, the role for biofuels in meeting global clean air policies and overcoming trade and policy hurdles to market growth.
The State of Iowa’s Renewable Fuels Industry
IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw discussed the state of Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel industries. He went over the landmark events of 2018 and concluded Iowa biofuels are “hurting but hopeful.”
To view a copy of Shaw’s prepared remarks, click here.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg addressed the 2019 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit. Governor Reynolds touted her support for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program and Iowa’s biofuels producers.
Future of Transportation: Decoding the Headlines
John Eichberger, Fuels Institute
John Eichberger, executive director of the Fuels Institute discussed the future of U.S. fuel and transportation sectors, including the role of electric vehicles and biofuels.
To view Eichberger’s presentation, click here.
2019 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Industry Keynote
National Biodiesel Board CEO Donnell Rehagen
National Biodiesel Board CEO Donnell Rehagen was the 2019 Summit Industry Keynote Speaker. He discussed the state of the national biodiesel industry, covering a range of topics, including the fight to reinstate the biodiesel blenders tax credit, the impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and small refinery exemptions from the RFS, and growing market opportunities.
To view Rehagen’s presentation, click here.
Policy Outlook Roundtable
IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw moderated a roundtable discussion on the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard and several other biofuels policy concerns such as the rule-making process for year-round E15 and reigning in small-refinery exemptions. Shaw was joined by National Biodiesel Board CEO Donnell Rehagen, Renewable Fuels Association Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White, Iowa Corn Federal Policy Adviser Kevin Studer, and Mercury Public Affairs Iowa Office Managing Director Eric Branstad.
Trade Roundtable – From Beijing to Baja
IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton was joined by U.S. Grains Council Chief Economist Mike Dwyer, American Coalition for Ethanol Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty, and Iowa Corn Promotion Board Board Member Kelly Nieuwenhuis for a discussion on the outlook for biofuels exports around the globe. The groups discussed the growth potential for several export markets, including China and Mexico.
The Road Ahead: Fueling Future Vehicles
Paul Argyropoulos, Policy Nexus Advisors
Paul Argyropoulos was responsible for EPA’s implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard for over a decade. At the 2019 Summit he discussed the future of the RFS including the anticipated reset rule for all biofuel blend levels under the RFS. He also discussed how those inside the EPA go about making decisions and setting regulations.
To view Argyropoulos’ presentation, click here.
EPA Lawsuits: Boost or Burden?
Adam Gustafson, Boyden Gray & Associates
In 2018 the biofuels industry filed lawsuits against the EPA over several disputes, including rampant awarding of small-refinery exemptions, annual blend levels set by the EPA, and more. Shaw sat down with Adam Gustafson, a partner at Boyden Gray & Associates to discuss the potential impact of the outcomes of these lawsuits.
How Do Your Fuel Decisions Impact Our Environment?
For the final roundtable of the day, IRFA board member Jerry Calease moderated a panel featuring the Environmental and Energy Study Institute’s Policy Associate Jessie Stolark and Angela Tin, vice president of environmental health for American Lung Association. Stolark and Tin discussed the environmental and health benefits of incorporating biofuels into the U.S. fuel supply.
To view Stolark’s presentation, click here.
To view Tin’s presentation, click here.