Iowa Biodiesel Board says elections keep Iowa at the forefront of national energy issues
ANKENY, Iowa - Two Iowans were elected to the National Biodiesel Board this week, playing a key role in guiding the national growth of renewable, American-made biodiesel.
Members of the National Biodiesel Board elected biodiesel producer Chad Stone and soybean farmer Ron Heck to fill two of eight open board spots. The election took place during the NBB annual fall meeting in Washington, D.C.
Also the chair of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, Stone serves as the Chief Financial Officer at the Ames-based Renewable Energy Group, where he provides long-range strategic leadership, including goals and policies. Heck serves as treasurer of IBB, representing the Iowa Soybean Association on the board. He's been an ISA member since 1975 and has served in numerous state and national ag leadership roles. Heck farms in Perry, Iowa.
"The elections of IBB board members are another validation of Iowa as a hub of renewable energy," said Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board. "Iowa's farmers and biodiesel producers are innovators in this emerging energy industry, and stay actively engaged in policy discussions. We should feel proud that Iowans represent us at the national level, leading the way toward sustainable energy independence."
Iowa soybean farmer Ed Ulch retired from the NBB board this week after 11 years of service. His colleagues hailed him as a strong leader during formidable years in biodiesel's development.
In 2014, Iowa's 13 biodiesel plants produced more than a quarter billion gallons of biodiesel, supporting jobs and economic development across the state while replacing foreign oil and diversifying the nation's fuel supply.
The National Biodiesel Board is made up of 15 governing board members, including four executive officers. The Iowa Biodiesel Board is a state trade association representing the biodiesel industry.
