By Craig Robinson
Governor Terry Branstad addressed the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association’s annual summit Tuesday morning. Branstad, who supports the industry and is please with the EPA’s recent ruling that allows E15 for all vehicles 2001 and newer, gave a typical speech that you would expect from the governor of Iowa. He also pledged that he would talk to the presidential candidates about the importance of the industry.
During the question and answer period, Branstad showed an expansive knowledge about different aspects of the renewable fuels industry. Branstad showed that he was knowledgeable about everything from blender pumps, the lack of flex fuel vehicles produced by foreign automakers, and DNR regulations that hamper industry growth, to cellulosic ethanol and the important role that Iowa’s community colleges play in the renewable fuels industry.
It’s not that Branstad just sounded knowledgeable when talking about the industry, he actually spoke about specifics. Branstad clearly impressed his audience. As the Governor exited the stage, Walter Wendland, the president of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association said, “I can’t imagine a more knowledgeable Governor and Lt. Governor than what we have right now.”
I guess Culver’s repeated use of terms like “green collar jobs” and the “silicon prairie of the Midwest” didn’t impress industry leaders.
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