Gingrich to return to Iowa later this month

A news release issued by a biofuels group this morning indicated Newt Gingrich — a potential 2012 presidential candidate — is due in the state later this month.

Former Speaker of the US House Newt Gingrich to Address 5th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) announced today that former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich will address the 5th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on January 25, 2011 at the Polk County Convention Complex in downtown Des Moines.  Gingrich currently serves as chairman of American Solutions for Winning the Future.

“Speaker Gingrich has been a champion for renewable fuels since at least 1995 – first in the legislative arena and, more recently, in the arena of ideas,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Gingrich is always thoughtful and thought provoking, so we know the Summit audience will look forward to his remarks.”

The Summit and concurrent trade show, being held from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, is free and open to the public.  Pre-registration is required.  Participants can register online at www.IowaRFA.org by January 21st, where they’ll also find additional links and information relating to the Summit, or by calling Lucy Norton at 515-252-6249.

Gingrich is scheduled to address the Summit at 11:30 am.  Other speakers include NASCAR Champion Rusty Wallace, Governor-elect Terry Branstad, and Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen.  Other program highlights for this year’s Summit include:  “E15:  Bringing More Fuel Choices to Iowa,”  “Iowa Biodiesel Resurgence,” and “Advanced Biofuels – A Turning Point for Renewable Energy.”

            Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.7 billion gallons annually. In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce over 315 million gallons annually.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.