2023 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Recap
The 2023 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit was held on February 7th at the Community Choice Convention Center in downtown Des Moines. The day was full of exciting speakers and roundtable discussions on important issues impacting the biofuels industry.
IRFA President Al Giese kicked off the day with opening remarks.

State of the Iowa Industry Address
IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw delivered his annual “State of the Iowa Industry” address, declaring the biofuels industry “energized, but a little angry.”

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Addresses the Summit
Governor Reynolds shared the success of Iowa biofuels and celebrated legislation passed last year supporting agriculture and the biofuels industry.

Industry Keynote Was Provided by Renewable Fuels Association’s Geoff Cooper
Cooper addressed questions about the future of biofuels, as well as biofuel advocacy goals in 2023, including securing year-round E15 sales, and implementing IRA clean fuels tax provisions.

The Path to Low Carbon Ethanol Panel
Experts gathered to discuss the necessity for low carbon ethanol, and how removing CO2 from the atmosphere is impacting biofuels markets and policies.

Dr. Yuval Weber: “Is Russia Finished as an Energy Superpower?”
Russian military expert Dr. Yuval Weber shared his insight into the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and what effect it has on agriculture and energy markets.

Beyond Vehicles, New Opportunities for Ethanol
Experts in upcoming ethanol technologies and markets gathered to share potentiality and progress in using ethanol in alternative ways.

USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Farah Ahmad
Ahmad took the stage to speak on USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, which provides grants to retailers to install equipment to offer higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.

State and Federal Policy Roundtable
Speakers gathered to discuss biofuels policy and its future.
- Moderator: Monte Shaw, IRFA
- Jake Swanson, President, High Yield Strategies and former policy advisor to Gov. Kim Reynolds
- Brian Werner, Executive Director, Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association
- Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association
- Kurt Kovarik, Vice President for Federal Affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance America

Crystal Ball: The Future of Biodiesel
Industry professionals discussed future trends and markets for biodiesel.
