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USDA Announces Commitment of $100 Million Toward Blender Pumps for E15 and E85

JOHNSTON, IOWA – Following the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to commit $100 million to help fund infrastructure to double the number of blender pumps currently available, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Managing Director Lucy Norton made the following statement:

“The renewable fuels community is thrilled to see the USDA’s latest commitment to expand availability of higher ethanol blends. Consumers will greatly benefit from greater access to these cleaner-burning, lower-cost fuels. By encouraging investment in the necessary infrastructure, more motorists will be able to take advantage of safe and economical E15 and E85, providing greater competition at the pump and wider fuel choice. The Iowa ethanol industry stands ready and willing to provide the additional gallons for higher blend levels that this program could generate.”

Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing more than 3.8 billion gallons annually, including 22 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity and one cellulosic ethanol facility 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.

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For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association homepage at: www.IowaRFA.org