Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Calls for Policy Certainty to Unlock Growth

IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw says producers are ready to meet demand, but need support from state and federal governments.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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At the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw told attendees that America's ethanol and biodiesel producers are 'ready, willing, and able' to meet demand, but that growth hinges on opening new markets and restoring policy certainty at both the state and federal levels. Shaw called for year-round E15, as well as pathways to unlock new demand in marine fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, and carbon capture.

Why it matters

The renewable fuels industry plays a vital role in Iowa's economy, supporting farmers and the rural economy. Policy certainty and new market opportunities are key to unlocking the next wave of growth for this industry.

The details

Shaw outlined several ways to drive new demand for renewable fuels, including lower-carbon marine fuels, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS). He noted that if renewable fuels can provide just a portion of these industries' low-carbon needs, it could drive demand for 20 to 30 years. Shaw also highlighted the importance of upcoming policy announcements, such as the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit and robust Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes, which he predicted 'will bear fruit in 2026'.

  • The Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit took place on February 5, 2026.

The players

Monte Shaw

Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA).

President Trump

The former U.S. President who Shaw says must compel Congress to act on year-round E15.

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What they’re saying

“Both state and federal policy must once again embrace the positive power of renewable fuels at work. Remove barriers and uncertainty. Resist those that would tie our hands behind our backs.”

— Monte Shaw, Executive Director, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

“E15 is vital to the future of ethanol, farmers, and rural America. Our fight will return to the states, where seven Midwest governors showed us a path forward to year-round E15. It is not our preferred path forward. But it may be our only path. If so, we will accept the challenge. Because we shall never surrender.”

— Monte Shaw, Executive Director, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

What’s next

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The takeaway

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