Real impact: Iowa Gov. Reynolds honored for biodiesel advocacy

The national biodiesel industry has honored Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds with one of its highest awards for her dedicated biodiesel advocacy. She accepted the National Biodiesel Board’s Impact Award during the trade association’s annual conference, held virtually in January. The Iowa Biodiesel Board congratulated her.

Reynolds

“Governor Reynolds has served Iowans with a passionate dedication to industries and products that improve the economy and quality of life for her constituents, and biodiesel is front-and-center in that enthusiasm,” said Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, and director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association. “We value her proactive support of policies and her strong voice for the industry at not only the state level, but federal. Governor Reynolds has fought for a stronger, more reliable Renewable Fuel Standard, among her many accomplishments.”

In 2019, the governor signed an executive order requiring all new state-owned diesel-powered vehicles be able to use at least 20 percent biodiesel (B20). She also supports and has led the expansion of renewable fuel infrastructure in the state, including installation of biodiesel pumps at retail fuel stations in Iowa.

“Biodiesel is a vital and growing industry here in Iowa and it plays a major role in America’s energy independence,” Reynolds said in her acceptance video. “I will always work tirelessly for the continued expansion of the biofuels market, and to be recognized by the National Biodiesel Board with the Impact Award is truly remarkable. It means we’re making a difference…to our farmers, our small towns, our workforce…and we’re showing the world that biodiesel plays a big part in fueling our future.”

Biodiesel is an advanced biofuel made from agricultural byproducts and co-products, such as soybean oil. The Iowa Biodiesel Board is a state trade association representing the biodiesel industry.