Chevron decision to restart Iowa biodiesel facility displays power of robust RFS blending levels
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association welcomed the Nov. 12 announcement that Chevron will restart its biodiesel production facility in Ralston, Iowa, supported by a feedstock-supply agreement with Landus Cooperative.
The Ralston facility was idled in 2024 following a downturn in biodiesel market conditions resulting from weak Renewable Fuel Standard blending targets and policy uncertainty.
Chevron plans to restart operations in phases, beginning with staffing, maintenance, safety and operational-readiness activities.
“This may be the biggest sign yet of the powerful impact of the robust RFS blending levels finalized by the Trump EPA earlier this year,” said Monte Shaw, the executive director of IRFA. “A major facility is coming back online, creating new demand for Iowa-grown soybeans and creating good-paying jobs in rural Iowa. IRFA strongly urges the Trump administration to maintain the RFS and to reject any actions that would reverse course. As the saying goes—if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Iowa has the agricultural resources, infrastructure and industry leadership to grow its renewable fuels sector.
Strong and stable federal and state policies can help turn that potential into more investment, more production and more opportunities for rural communities.
“Strong renewable fuels blending levels aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet,” Shaw said. “They translate into real investments, real markets for farmers and real jobs in rural communities. If we want to see more announcements like this, we need federal and state policy that keeps renewable fuels moving forward.”
