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Branstad Announced “Fueling Our Future” Program to Keep Iowa First and Forward Looking

JOHNSTON, IOWA –The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today thanked Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for launching the “Fueling Our Future” program, which aims to expand E30 and biodiesel availability, building upon Iowa’s history as a leader in ethanol and biodiesel development and production.

“This pilot program will provide Iowans with additional access to higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel, which will help our farmers, communities and economy in producing, processing and profiting locally,” stated Iowa Governor Terry Branstad.

“Iowa leads the nation in renewable fuels production, and has led in developing markets for E10, E15, E85 and biodiesel over the last 30 years,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “But never one to sit still, Governor Branstad is already looking down the road to the next five to ten years.  I want to thank Gov. Branstad and his team for the new ‘Fueling Our Future’ program that will continue to build on the successes this state has had in renewable fuels, and will position Iowa to lead the way in E30 and biodiesel availability.”

Joining Gov. Branstad at the announcement were Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, and Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) Director Paul Trombino.  The ‘Fueling Our Future’ initiative will use federal funding to further leverage state dollars in the existing renewable fuel infrastructure program, establishing more blender pumps containing E30 and biodiesel at gas retailers around the state. E30, a fuel blend containing 30 percent ethanol, can be used in flexible-fuel vehicles (FFV), while biodiesel, made mostly from vegetable oil and animal fats, can be used be used at the 20 percent level (B20) in any existing diesel engine.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 3.7 billion gallons annually, with one wet mill and three cellulosic ethanol projects currently under construction. 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.