With corn and soybean prices lagging below production costs, the need to expand markets for ethanol and biodiesel has never been more critical. Experts will provide insight on creating new opportunities for renewable fuels at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on Thursday, Feb. 5.
The summit will be held at the Prairie Meadows Events Center in Altoona. Attendance is free and open to the public, but registration is required. For more information and to register, visit iowarenewablefuelssummit.org.
“You could be a farmer, a shareholder in a local ethanol or biodiesel plant, an investor in the biofuel industry, or anyone interested in learning more about renewable fuels and related issues,” said Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). “You are welcome to attend. We have a lineup of knowledgeable speakers who will address timely topics at this one-day event.”
Timely topics, notable speakers
Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for walk-in registration and to view the trade show exhibits. The general session begins at 8:30 a.m. with welcome remarks from IRFA President Nick Bowdish, who also serves as CEO of Elite Octane and Little Sioux Corn Processors.
Shaw will follow with an industry update titled “Renewable Fuels Working for Iowa.” The morning session will have a panel discussion to provide an update on current policy issues facing renewable fuels.
The year 2026 is bringing a lot of change to the world of renewable fuels. Updated guidance on 45Z clean fuel tax credits, renewable fuels stand blending levels and nationwide year-round E15 use are just some of the big topics where movement is occurring.
At the IRFA summit, policy experts will explore what the new framework, legislative issues and proposed regulatory changes could mean for biofuels.
Update on current policy issues
Moderated by Shaw, the “Assembling the Policy Framework” panel will feature:
- Scott Gerlt, chief economist, American Soybean Association
- Troy Bredenkamp, senior vice president of government and public affairs, Renewable Fuels Association
- Joe Jobe, CEO, Sustainable Advanced Biofuel Refiners
- Matt Durand, deputy legal counsel, National Association of Convenience Stores
“Midwest renewable fuel producers and farmers are directly influenced by the decisions made in our nation’s capital,” IRFA marketing director Lisa Coffelt said. “With a better understanding of these policies, we can adapt and continue to grow the renewable fuels industry.”
The morning program also features two guest speakers. The first is Pablo Di Si, former president and CEO of Volkswagen North America. He’ll discuss the outlook for vehicle technologies and the role biofuels can play in the future of consumer vehicles.
“Pablo Di Si recently retired and talks freely about what’s going on in the automobile industry,” Shaw said. “He’s seen the push for electric automobiles. He’s seen what Latin America’s doing, and countries such as Brazil with biofuels. He has interesting insight on what the future of transportation could be.”
Finishing the morning session is Ari Fleisher, a former White House press secretary who analyzes current events as a contributor to Fox News. He’ll comment on policies and proposals being discussed by Congress and the Trump administration.
Fleisher served as press secretary for President George W. Bush and was with the president on 9/11. He’ll share what he witnessed and learned from the terrorist attacks on the U.S. in September 2001.
Building new markets for biofuels
After lunch, sessions resume at 1 p.m., with a panel discussing “Building New Markets.” Speakers will provide insight on creating new opportunities for renewable fuels, such as marine fuels, sustainable aviation fuel and other applications for higher blends.
The “Building New Markets” panel will feature:
- Zoltan Szabo, secretary-general, Climate Ethanol Alliance
- Charlotte Lollar, director of sustainable aviation fuel and emissions, Delta Air Lines
- Josh Garetson, director of renewable fuels and corporate strategy, John Deere
“Diversifying renewable fuel markets is essential for the long-term success of Iowa’s farmers and producers,” IRFA’s Lisa Coffelt said. “From powering planes to fueling ships, these new opportunities will strengthen rural economies and work toward America’s energy dominance.”
Innovations and technologies
Another panel of experts will discuss “Tools of the Trade” — new technologies and innovations needed to access new markets for renewable fuels. This session will explore technologies and practices such as carbon sequestration and use, smart conservation agriculture, and the economic impact that opening new markets can have on agriculture.
The “Tools of the Trade” environmental panel will feature:
- Chris Knutson, director of sustainability, government and regulatory affairs, Green Plains Energy
- Joe Griffin, CEO, Summit Carbon Solutions
- Mitchell Hora, founder and CEO, Continuum Ag
- David Miller, chief economist, Decision Innovation Solutions
“Exciting new markets are within reach for renewable fuels. But many of these new markets want lower carbon fuels,” Coffelt said. “This panel will discuss the tools needed to make American renewable fuels attractive across the globe, thereby ensuring ethanol and biodiesel are critical components of America’s energy supply and dominance.”
Register now
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit is the Midwest’s largest biofuels policy conference. Drawing from more than a dozen states, attendees represent every sector of the biofuels industry and beyond, including biofuel producers and supporters, policy experts, elected officials, and media.
Register today to secure your spot at this can’t-miss event by visiting iowarfa.org.