Northwest Iowa — Northwest Iowa motorists may soon benefit from more renewable fueling options. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has been awarded $5 million to install an estimated 187 blender pumps, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership. Iowa fuel retailers can now apply for federal funding, as well as state grants available through Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. Applications are available on the IDALS’ website.
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Managing Director Lucy Norton says the USDA’s blender pump program will mean a wider availability of E15 and E85 for Iowa motorists. She says more blender pumps in Iowa will mean more competition at the pump, resulting in even lower fuel prices, better air quality and stronger energy security.
More details on the program, including applications, are available by visiting: www.iowaagriculture.gov/agMarketing.asp.
Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing 3.9 billion gallons annually, including nearly 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity. In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce nearly 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.
