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Renewable Energy Group officially withdraws prior shoreline permit application reaffirming commitment to not pursue crude oil

Renewable Energy Group, Inc. announced today the company has formally withdrawn the Imperium Terminal Services shoreline permit application with the City of Hoquiam. The permit application would have allowed the expansion of bulk liquid storage capabilities and rail capacity at the existing biodiesel production facility. Included in the withdrawal is the proposal to store, handle and transport crude oil (crude by rail) in the harbor. This step formally implements REG’s prior commitment to remove crude oil from its expansion plans at Grays Harbor.

“When REG acquired Imperium, we heard concerns from the community regarding the handling of crude oil. We publicly indicated we would not pursue crude by rail, but this formal withdrawal signifies our commitment to the citizens of Grays Harbor County and the environment,” said REG’s Vice President and Chief of Staff Natalie Merrill. “REG is committed to Grays Harbor and is focused on producing quality biodiesel, safely and efficiently.”

“REG continues to evaluate other expansion opportunities at the facility that do not include handling crude oil.” Merrill continued, “Expansion opportunities exist in this state and region. We are evaluating Grays Harbor as well as additional locations in Washington for renewable diesel production.”

Community groups weighed in:

Fawn Sharp, President of the Quinault Indian Nation applauded REG’s efforts to stop the crude oil expansion potential. “Protecting the natural resources of Grays Harbor and Washington coastal waters is a core belief of our Nation. We saw the potential for crude oil as an extremely dangerous situation and were outspoken against it. The formal withdrawal is welcome news to our community and is the product of numerous conversations between QIN and REG over the last year. We share a common vision for economic growth in Grays Harbor and are encouraged by REG’s direct engagement with us and other community partners as they explore a new direction toward a sustainable, vibrant, and healthy economy.”

“The City of Hoquiam continues to pursue opportunities to grow and expand business in the Harbor.” Brian Shay, Hoquiam City Administrator stated. “Although this particular expansion is no longer on the table, we will continue to work with REG in any future effort to expand. They have been a great partner with the City and our community.”

REG became a member of the Grays Harbor area in 2015 when the company purchased Imperium Renewables’ 100 million gallon biomass-based diesel production facility on the Port of Grays Harbor.  REG is the largest biodiesel producer in the United States with biorefineries in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Florida, Texas and Washington.

About Renewable Energy Group

Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGI) is a leading provider of cleaner, lower carbon intensity products and services. We are an international producer of biomass-based diesel, a developer of renewable chemicals and are North America’s largest producer of advanced biofuel. REG utilizes an integrated procurement, distribution, and logistics network to convert natural fats, oils, greases, and sugars into lower carbon intensity products. With 14 active biorefineries, a feedstock processing facility, research and development capabilities and a diverse and growing intellectual property portfolio, REG is committed to being a long-term leader in bio-based fuel and chemicals.


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