IRFA Thanks Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for Years of Leadership, Advancing Iowa Agriculture and Renewable Fuels

Contact: Emma Koehler
515-252-6249

WEST DES MOINES, IA - Today Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced she will not seek reelection for another term after nearly a decade as the 43^rd governor of Iowa. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) members sincerely thank Gov. Reynolds for her many years of leadership, especially for her success in advancing Iowa agriculture and renewable fuels.

"Today is a bittersweet day," said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. "While IRFA members are disappointed Gov. Kim Reynolds won't be running for reelection, we have very fond memories of her many accomplishments. The Governor has been a tireless advocate for growing the state's renewable fuels industry, championing nation-leading public policy that always pushes the needle. After decades of public service to Iowa at the local and state level, Gov. Reynolds owes nothing more to Iowa, yet we owe her so much. IRFA members thank Gov. Reynolds for her outstanding leadership in ensuring Iowa agriculture continues to feed and fuel the world today and long into the future."

In her decade as Iowa's chief executive, Gov. Reynolds led efforts to:

• Establish the nation's first E15 Access Standard, ensuring Iowa consumers have access to E15 which usually costs 15-20 cents less per gallon.
• Create the nation's first ever B20 and B30 retailer tax credits to maximize the use of biodiesel in Iowa.
• Secure new regulations for 8 Midwest states from the U.S. EPA that allow E15 to be sold year-round.
• Appropriate record funding for Iowa's nation-leading Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP), a public-private cost-share program to help Iowa retailers install the equipment necessary to offer higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel to consumers.
• Enact a first-of-its-kind E40 future proofing standard for Iowa fuel dispensing equipment, ensuring Iowa retailers will be ready when higher blends enter the marketplace. As a result, the two largest fuel pump manufacturers (representing over 90% of the market) have made E40 compatibility their base offering from coast-to-coast.
• Shift Iowa's renewable fuel tax differentials from low blends to E15 and B20 or higher blends, thereby increasing funds for Iowa's roads and bridges while also driving greater renewable fuel sales.
• Protect the federal renewable fuel standard (RFS) blending levels to grow demand for Iowa corn, soybeans and animal fats.

"I suppose some would mention Gov. Reynolds' time as a high school cheerleader in an effort to undercut her," added Shaw. "But I was always impressed with her inherit confidence. Rather than shy away from that, she leaned in. She knew who she was; she was Iowa's cheerleader. She was the best cheerleader for Iowa farmers and renewable fuels producers you could ever hope for. That might not sound like much, but when you're beating your head against bureaucrats in DC, Gov. Reynolds' energy, spirit and never give up attitude often made the difference. Her list of accomplishments speaks for itself."

As a result of Gov. Reynolds' policies:

• E15 sales climbed from 0.3% (28 million gallons) to nearly 20% (257 million gallons) of Iowa fuel sales.
• Iowa leads the nation in E15 retail locations and sales.
• E85 sales grew from 13.5 to 29.1 million gallons.
• Biodiesel blended in Iowa increased 78%.
• Sales of B11 and higher blends improved from 240 to 407 million gallons.*

"IRFA also wants to give a special shoutout to the First Dude, Kevin Reynolds," added Shaw. "Kevin has served as the Habitat Establishment Coordinator for our Monarch Fueling Station program for many years. Thanks to him, we have scores of acres around Iowa's renewable fuels facilities that are dedicated to native plants and flowers specifically designed to attract and nourish monarch butterflies as well as other pollinators. We hope that work will continue."

IRFA works to help member plants establish Monarch Fueling Stations at biofuel facilities across Iowa, as monarchs have faced concerning declines in population over the past two decades. This project is one of many efforts across the state to create more monarch habitat.

*Statistics were calculated by comparing the 2016 and 2024 Retailers Fuel Gallons Annual Report.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state's liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation's leader in renewable fuels production with 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4.7 billion gallons annually - including 34 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity - and 10 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 416 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org .

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