Today marked the 2026 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, organized by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). This event was filled with inspiring keynote speeches and engaging panel discussions. Below are the key insights from the summit.
1. E15 Is a Critical Focus
During his address, IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw highlighted the pressing need to explore new markets for biofuels, emphasizing the urgent requirement for legislation that allows nationwide access to E15 throughout the year.
Shaw expressed concern, stating, "If Congress does not act on E15 this February, I fear we may not see any legislative movement for years." He pointed out that there are potential opportunities for action this month, including a vote in the U.S. House on legislation recommended by the Rural Domestic Energy Council.
He also mentioned that while E15 is a priority, additional markets must be developed to prevent low corn prices and retain farmers in the industry. A recent study indicated that transitioning from E10 to E15 could generate demand for 2.1 billion bushels of corn, but production may eventually exceed this demand.
"Even with the increased corn demand from year-round E15, a demand gap is projected to grow beyond 2031," Shaw noted. He believes there are untapped markets that could utilize corn and soybeans effectively.
Shaw cited the marine industry as a significant opportunity, potentially needing 80 billion gallons annually, and the global airline sector, which is expected to require 150 billion gallons per year by 2050.
2. Anticipation for RFS Regulations
The morning policy panel underscored the need for consistent year-round access to E15 and discussed the Renewable Fuel Standard, specifically the pending blending levels for 2026 and 2027.
Scott Gerlt, chief economist of the American Soybean Association, critiqued the blending requirements for biomass-based diesel fuels in the EPA's previous regulations, suggesting they were inadequate. He characterized the upcoming proposal for 2026 and 2027 as promising but highlighted the uncertainty surrounding how small-refinery exemptions will be managed.
3. Pursuing New Demand Sources
The search for new demand sources was a recurring theme. The first panel discussion after lunch focused on emerging market opportunities for biofuels, featuring industry leaders from various sectors.
Panelists included Zoltán Szabó from the Climate Ethanol Alliance, Charlotte Lollar from Delta Air Lines, and Josh Garetson from John Deere. They discussed potential avenues for ethanol in marine fuel, Delta's sustainable aviation fuel initiatives, and John Deere's support for farmers adopting higher biofuel blends.
It was clear that various barriers--regulatory, policy, and production--still hinder these markets from becoming robust drivers for biofuels.
4. Acknowledgment for Governor Kim Reynolds
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds received an enthusiastic welcome at the summit. She highlighted significant biofuel milestones achieved during her tenure, including the passage of the E15 Access Standard legislation in 2022.
Reynolds stated, "Iowa leads the nation in renewable fuels production, a success driven by strong partnerships among farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers." She was honored with a Lifetime Champion of Renewable Fuels Award for her contributions to the biofuels sector.
5. Leadership Insights from Ari Fleischer
Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretary, shared valuable leadership lessons during his address. Reflecting on the calmness displayed during crises, he emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in challenging situations.
"When calamity strikes, it's crucial to remain steady," he remarked, underscoring the significance of strong leadership during turbulent times.