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Iowa Senate Votes to Protect Iowa Jobs, Expand Access to Cleaner Burning Biofuels

JOHNSTON, IOWA –The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today commended the Iowa Senate for voting unanimously (48-0) to pass Senate File 2344, showing tremendous, bipartisan support for renewable fuels.

 “I applaud the Iowa Senate for voting unanimously to protect Iowa jobs and access to homegrown, clean-burning renewable fuels,” stated IRFA Policy Director Grant Menke. “This vote sends a clear message that Iowans are serious about increasing renewable fuels production and use, expanding consumer fuel choice and growing Iowa’s economy.”

With renewable fuels producers facing unprecedented federal policy uncertainty, Senate File 2344 protects Iowa’s renewable fuels industry by extending the state’s biodiesel production tax credit that is set to expire at the end of this year, and enhancing the state’s E15 retailer tax credit to help alleviate extra costs to Iowa retailers who want to offer E15 as a registered fuel during the summer driving season.  The bill also updates Iowa Code to define biobutanol as a legal renewable fuel option for Iowans.

In addition, the Iowa Senate adopted an amendment to the bill extending retailer tax credits for biodiesel, E15 and E85.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 3.8 billion gallons annually, with three cellulosic ethanol facilities 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.