Northwest Iowa — Ethanol production is very important to the local economy here in northwest Iowa, and a Renewable Fuels Association director says the auto industry’s path to improved economy will include higher blends of ethanol.
RFA Director Randall Doyal says the ethanol industry is keeping up with advancements in automotive technology.
Iowa is the nation’s top ethanol producer, with two ethanol plants located within 20 miles of Sheldon. Doyal says the RFA is hitting some roadblocks as the organization works to educate consumers on the benefits of E-15 and higher blends of ethanol.
Doyal, who recently completed his term as RFA Chairman, says more infrastructure is needed to facilitate higher ethanol blends and provide additional choices at the pump. According to the Iowa Corn Grower’s Association, around 47 percent, or 1.3-billion bushels, of the corn grown in Iowa is used to create nearly 30 percent of all American ethanol.
