(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today vowed to join agricultural groups, family farmers and all Iowans in fighting for renewable fuels in light of the misguided and dumbfounding decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lower the volumes of renewable fuels utilized on America's streets and highways.

"Why the Obama administration would side with the big oil companies over Iowa's homegrown renewable fuels is baffling," said Branstad. "The EPA has turned its back on rural America, and our economy and family farms will suffer as a result. Corn prices have already dropped to the cost of production, and this will likely further squeeze corn producers and negatively impact income growth in rural America. We have more than 50 ethanol and biodiesel plants in Iowa, and these EPA reductions would negatively impact thousands of Iowa jobs. This debate isn't over. I will lock arms with our agricultural groups, our family farmers, leaders from both parties, and Iowans in fighting for Iowa's homegrown, reliable, and safe renewable fuels. I encourage Iowans to officially comment to the EPA."

"The Renewable Fuels Standard led to more consumer choice at the pump, widespread use of biofuels, less reliance on foreign oil, increased family incomes in rural America, and a commitment to reducing harmful emissions," said Reynolds. "Today's announcement undercuts the progress that has been made. This is the latest example of just how out of touch Washington, D.C. has become that big oil is rewarded for bad behavior."

Iowa Fertilizer Company named Second-best "Deal of the Year"

(DES MOINES) - Site Selection Magazine and the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Association today named Gov. Terry Branstad as the "Foreign Direct Investment Politician of the Year" during the 10th Annual World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment in Shanghai, China.

Additionally, the Iowa Fertilizer Company was named the Second-best "Deal of the Year," joining several FDI wins for the state. Since January 2011, IEDA has assisted FDI projects in projects that are expected to create and retain nearly 1,000 jobs and result in capital investment in Iowa of almost $2 billion. The top five FDI projects include the Iowa Fertilizer Company, Valent Biosciences, CJ Bio America, Danisco US Inc., Bridgestone Americas Tires and Hipra USA.

According to the FDI Association, the governor's international award "present(s) accolades for achievement and excellence in the FDI arena in 2012/13." Gov. Branstad's success with foreign direct investment results from his administration's efforts in recruiting businesses to locate in a state or area to grow jobs and strengthen the economy.

"As the governor of Iowa, I have the tremendous opportunity to promote our state, our people and our strong resources to a world market," said Branstad. "This award gives Iowa a prominent place on the world stage, and is an honor in which all Iowans can take pride. The hardworking, sincere people of Iowa are proud of the safe and reliable products they produce for a growing world population. Lt. Governor Reynolds and I have worked tirelessly to grow jobs in our state and improve our economy - and these efforts are being noticed around the world."

Attending the World Forum on Foreign Direct Investment in Shanghai, China, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds was the featured speaker on the opening panel of the forum to promote the state of Iowa and the opportunities for direct economic investment to an audience of international leaders.

"This forum is a tremendous opportunity to meet face-to-face with key economic and industry leaders to have an open dialogue on economic prospects that would benefit the state and people of Iowa," said Reynolds. "As I talk to business leaders from Europe or from Asia, they have all heard of the great things we are doing in Iowa, and they want to learn more about the steps we are taking as a state to recruit companies, grow our state economy and create careers for Iowans."

In this award category, second place was given to Frank Jensen, Lord Mayor from Copenhagen, Denmark, third place was presented to the Honorable Zafer Ça?layan, Minister of Economy, Turkey, fourth place was presented to Henk Kool, Vice Mayor, The Hague, Holland and fifth place was presented to Noureddine Zekri, General Manager, FIPA Tunisia.

Award winners were determined based on data collected by the Conway Data New Plant Report and by an independent panel of consultants from around the world, including Andreas Dressler, Managing Director, TERRAIN Global, Jason Hickey, President, Hickey & Associates, Yin Hong, National Director & Head of Manufacturing Services, China, Jones Lang LaSalle, Roel Spee, Global Leader, Plant Location International (PLI) Global Location Strategies, IBM Global Business Services, Shirar O'Connor, Principal, The Pont Group, Robert Pittman, Senior Principal, Janus Economics and David East, Director, fDi Intelligence.

Governor Branstad's leadership in bringing foreign direct investment projects to the state is clear. In addition to the Governor's receipt of the FDI Politician of the Year, Iowa was recognized with a second place FDI Deal of the Year honor for Iowa Fertilizer Company's (IFCo) $1.4 billion project in Lee County.

"Governor Branstad has really elevated our position in the international marketplace," said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. "And that has helped us to bring in some very significant business locations to Iowa."

In this category, the top four finishers are as follows:

1)      Sasol North America Inc., Lake Charles, Louisiana ($21B)

2)      Iowa Fertilizer Company LLC, Weaver, Iowa ($1.8B)

3)      Masisa-MDF, Durango, Mexico ($132M)

4)      Yanfeng USA, Riverside, Missouri ($45M)

For more information on these awards, visit: http://www.worldforumforfdi.com/awards.cfm

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad today launched an innovative new public-private partnership called Home Base Iowa, an effort that will match military veterans with jobs available across Iowa.

Home Base Iowa will raise private funds to support national targeted marketing efforts to veterans, including in-person outreach, a social media campaign and outreach through military publications.

Former Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's General Stores CEO Bob Myers will co-chair the effort.

"Through their service, veterans have already proven they share the values we hold dear as Iowans - hard work, leadership, and patriotism, among others," said Branstad. "We'll be calling upon the business community to partner with Home Base Iowa to help us meet our goals of increasing employment in this state, decreasing veterans' unemployment, and recruiting high quality individuals to Iowa."

Several hundred thousand veterans will leave the service over the next few years, while having a higher unemployment rate nationally.

Gov. Branstad notes that in his travel to Iowa's 99 counties, he's heard from companies that are ready to hire, but struggle to find workers with the right skills.

"We repeatedly hear from employers that they are ready to hire," said Branstad. "We've made significant investments in developing the skills of Iowa's workforce - through education reform, increased support for community colleges, the STEM initiative, and Skilled Iowa. However, this skills gap still exists. Home Base Iowa is a public-private partnership which will recruit veterans to come to Iowa to work, to become part of our communities - to be Iowans."

Branstad made the announcement during his weekly news conference, held at the Iowa Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston.

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today extended the disaster declaration allowing for more propane transport during harvest. The extension is 7 days, through Nov. 14.

Today's proclamation language is below:

WHEREAS,   a proclamation of disaster emergency was issued on October 24, 2013, as a result of the propane shortage being felt throughout the State of Iowa; and

WHEREAS,   effects of the shortage continue and the circumstances and reasons for issuance of the proclamation remain and continue; and

WHEREAS, strict compliance with Iowa Code section 321.449 pertaining to hours of service for drivers of commercial motor vehicles subject to the conditions stated in the October 24, 2013 proclamation will continue to prevent, hinder, or delay timely transportation and delivery of propane throughout the State of Iowa.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TERRY E. BRANSTAD, Governor of the State of Iowa, by the power and authority vested in me by the Iowa Constitution Art. IV, §§ 1, 8 and Iowa Code § 29C.6(1), and all other applicable laws, do hereby extend a State of Disaster Emergency for the entire state of Iowa originally proclaimed on October 24, 2013 for an additional seven days.  All terms and conditions of the proclamation of October 24, 2013 are hereby included by reference and shall apply as if fully set forth in this proclamation.

This extension of the original proclamation shall become effective at 12:01 a.m. on November 8, 2013, shall continue for seven (7) days, and shall expire on November 14, 2013 at 11:59 p.m., unless sooner terminated or extended in writing by me.