Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey today issued the following statement requesting the U.S. Senate consider and pass an extension of the federal biodiesel blenders tax credit that expires on December 31st. Recent reports have said that the U.S. Senate is unlikely to consider an extension of the tax credit this year.
According to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Iowa has 15 biodiesel refineries that are capable of producing 320 million gallons of biodiesel annually.
Northey’s statement follows here:
“With the Senate schedule to be in session through at least Christmas Eve, I would strongly encourage them to take the time to consider and pass an extension of the biodiesel tax credit. Biodiesel producers have faced a very difficult time over the last few years, and I worry that many of the current owners would not be able to overcome an expiration of the current tax credit.
“I think it is important that Congress understand that without this extension Iowa biodiesel plants will close and employees will be laid off.
“At a time of high unemployment and discussions of the need for ‘green jobs,’ it is expected than an extension of this credit would save more than a hundred Iowa jobs in the renewable energy sector.”
Northey, a corn and soybean farmer from Spirit Lake, is serving his first term as Secretary of Agriculture. His priorities as Secretary of Agriculture are the opportunities in renewable energy, conservation and stewardship, and telling the story of Iowa agriculture.
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