(April 12, 2011) Washington - This week, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) will be holding its quarterly Board Meeting in Washington, DC. During this time, RFA members will be visiting dozens of Congressional offices to discuss key issues in the ethanol industry.

The top discussion item will be focused around fiscally responsible reform of the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) and other transformative policies. RFA members will concentrate on addressing market evolution and economics needs. This can be accomplished by expanding infrastructure investments, increasing efforts to encourage commercialization of second generation ethanol, and the proposal to reform the ethanol tax credits.

These Congressional visits are following the recent testimonies at the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on the Biofuel Market Expansion Act of 2011, from RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen and Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) Chairman and CEO of Mascoma Corporation. Dinneen highlighted the point that the goals of federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and the commercialization of advanced ethanol technologies will not happen without meaningfully expanding the market for ethanol-blended fuels.

“These are the men and women who are directly responsible for the production of U.S. ethanol, providing jobs and economic opportunity and an alternative fuel source to reduce our addiction to foreign oil,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “It is important that our members have the opportunity to discuss their concerns with their Congressional representatives on the critical issues that the ethanol industry is facing now and in the future.”

Following a day of Congressional office visits, RFA Board Members will participate in a day-long meeting to discuss and review industry strategies for growth and innovation, expanding market development, increasing educational efforts in Washington, DC and beyond, as well as consider research and best practices related to safety and RFA’s unparrelled technical expertise.

About the RFA: The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Its mission is to advance the development, production, and use of ethanol fuel by strengthening America’s ethanol industry and raising awareness about the benefits of renewable fuels. RFA’s 200 members are working to help America become cleaner, safer, more energy independent and economically secure. Visit www.EthanolRFA.org.