Iowa governor receives Renewable Fuels Association honor

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad was a founding member of the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition.
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad was a founding member of the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition. | File photo

Gov. Terry Branstad of Iowa was presented with the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) 2016 Industry Award in recognition of his years of support for the U.S. ethanol industry.

Absolute Energy president Rick Schwarck presented the award, which is given to individuals annually for outstanding dedication and innovation in the industry.

“Gov. Branstad, you have been one of the most passionate, articulate, and effective advocates for value-added agriculture, farmers, and ethanol,” Schwarck said. “You have fought in our state to build and maintain the nation’s largest and most competitive ethanol industry. You have fought the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as it has tried to undermine the effectiveness of renewable fuels programs. And you have made ethanol a defining issue in Iowa and across the country in this year’s presidential campaign.”

RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen also praised Branstad at the award ceremony.

“Gov. Branstad was a founding member of the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition, and throughout his career he has worked tirelessly on behalf of our nation’s ethanol producers and farmers,” Dinneen said. “I can think of no better recipient for this year’s RFA Industry Award. The people of Iowa are lucky to have a man of such vision and character leading their state.”