2026 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Recap
The 2026 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit was held on February 5th at the Prairie Meadows Event Center in Altoona. This year’s theme was “Renewable Fuels at Work.”
IRFA President Nick Bowdish with Opening Remarks
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Presented with Lifetime Champion of Renewable Fuels Award
IRFA President Nick Bowdish and Executive Director Monte Shaw presented Governor Reynolds an award for her dedication to renewable fuels in her tenure as governor.
Industry Update: “Renewable Fuels Working for Iowa”
IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw gave a renewable fuels industry update for the state.
Panel: “Assembling the Policy Framework”
Panelists explored updated guidance on 45Z clean fuel tax credits, renewable fuels standard blending levels, and nationwide, year-round E15.
Panelists included:
- Scott Gerlt, Chief Economist, American Soybean Association
- Troy Bredenkamp, Senior Vice President of Government & Public Affairs, Renewable Fuels Association
- Joe Jobe, CEO, Sustainable Advanced Biofuel Refiners
- Matt Durand, Deputy Legal Counsel, National Association of Convenience Stores
Guest Speaker- Pablo Di Si
Pablo Di Si, former Volkswagen North America President & CEO, discussed his outlook for vehicle technologies and the role renewable fuels can play in the future of consumer vehicles.
Fireside Chat- Ari Fleischer
Former White House Press Secretary & Fox News Contributor Ari Fleischer shared what he witnessed on September 11th and where America stands today.
Panel: “Building New Markets”
Panelists provided insights on creating new opportunities for renewable fuels in marine fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, and other applications for higher blends.
Panelists included:
- Zoltán Szabó, Secretary General, Climate Ethanol Alliance
- Charlotte Lollar, Director of Sustainable Aviation Fuel & Emissions, Delta Air Lines
- Josh Garetson, Director of Renewable Fuels & Corporate Strategy, John Deere
Economic Outlook- Seth Meyer
Former USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer shared insights on the economic outlook for agriculture and renewable fuels.
Panel: “Tools of the Trade”
A panel of experts addressed the latest technologies needed to open massive new markets for renewable fuels and farmers.
Panelists included:
- Joe Griffin, CEO, Summit Carbon Solutions
- Mitchell Hora, Founder & CEO, Continuum Ag
- David Miller, Chief Economist, Decision Innovation Solutions
- Tom Solon, CEO, MidAmerican Agri Products Wheatland LLC
