2025 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Recap
The 2025 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit was held on February 4th at the Prairie Meadows Event Center in Altoona.
Attendees at this year’s Summit took an American road trip to prosperity with the destination being Fuels of Opportunity. Stops along the way included discussions on the state of the agricultural economy, the future of biomass-based diesel, trade opportunities, the outlook for electric vehicles (EVs), the changes happening in DC and policy outlook, and new market opportunities for the future.
IRFA President Chris Boshart with Opening Remarks
State of Iowa Industry Address from IRFA Executive Director
IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw stressed that U.S. agricultural output has again exceeded demand, leading to a severe rerduction in farm income. The news is that Fuels of Opportunity can create the near-term, midterm, and long-term demand needed to put U.S. agriculture on a firm foundation while promoting American energy dominance.
Industry Keynote Provided by Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO
Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen shared more about the rapidly growing industry, giving insight into how biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel are the solutions to achieve a low carbon future.
Export Expressway Panel – What’s Driving Ethanol Export Demand
U.S. Grains Council’s Ryan LeGrand provided an overview of their work to drive ethanol exports to record levels in 2024. Joined by experts, the panel explored promising export markets around the globe, noting that most of the potential markets are demanding low carbon ethanol.
- Ryan LeGrand, President & CEO of the U.S. Grains Council
- Hagan Rose, Vice President of International Trade at Eco-Energy
- Fred Ghatala, President at Advanced Biofuels Canada
EV Detour with S&P Global Commodity Insights Director
S&P Global Commodity Insights Director Jeff Meyer discussed trends in electric vehicles, automotive purchases and liquid fuel use.
DC Deep Dive with Political Editor and Contributor for Fox News
Political Editor and Contributor for Fox News Guy Benson gave his perspective on how to navigate the new political landscape in DC following the recent elections.
Policy Parkway Panel – A Look at What’s Around the Corner for National Policy
Industry leaders discussed how the direction of national policy might impact critical biofuels issues.
- Moderator: Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
- Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels Alliance America
- Anthony Reed, Partner at FGS Global
- Kevin Studer, Vice President of Government Relations at the Iowa Corn Growers Association
- Devin Mogler, President & CEO of the National Oilseed Processors Association
Future of Fuels Freeway Panel – Accelerating Into New Markets
Panelists explored new opportunities for biofuels in heavy duty engines, sustainable aviation fuel and low carbon markets, answering the question: have biofuels plateaued or are they just getting started?
- Moderator: Chris Boshart, CEO of Corn, LP
- Meg Whitty, Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Marketing at LanzaJet
- Brent Hoops, Commodities Director at Chief Ethanol
- Will Hupman, Vice President of Downstream Policy at the American Petroleum Institute
- Kendall Palmer, Senior Director of Biofuels at Corteva Agriscience
