In Face of Federal Policy Uncertainty, Iowa Legislature Remains Committed to Renewable Fuels

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Legislation to Promote Use of Higher Ethanol and Biodiesel Blends Highlight 2015 Iowa Legislative Session

JOHNSTON, IOWA – As the Iowa Legislature wraps up its final day of the 2015 legislative session, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today lauded several key pieces of legislation that were passed this year in an effort to expand use of higher ethanol and biodiesel blends.

In February, the Iowa Legislature included a 3-cent per gallon differential tax rate for B11 and higher biodiesel blends in its road infrastructure legislation.  This provision, which takes effect July 1 for a five-year duration, will be a useful incentive to encourage the increased use and availability of cleaner-burning, locally-produced higher biodiesel blends.

Today, the 86th General Assembly closed, but not before it passed legislation that allows E15 infrastructure investments to become eligible for Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure grants. Previously, the infrastructure program funds were only available for blender pumps and dispensers offering E85. However, the new provision allows funds to be used for dispensing equipment upgrades that make registered E15 available to 2001 and newer vehicles in Iowa. Additionally, the Iowa legislature passed a bill that will establish a new grant program for fuel retailers to replace old underground storage tank (UST) equipment with new components that are UL listed to be fully compatible with E85. Together, these meaningful programs will expand consumer access to cleaner-burning higher ethanol blends like E15 and E85.

“After a long, spirited session, we sincerely thank the Iowa Legislature for remaining committed to increasing the use and availability of higher ethanol and biodiesel blends,” stated IRFA Policy Director Grant Menke.  “With an uphill climb for renewable fuels ahead in terms of federal policy, forward-thinking state initiatives are a must to continue to build upon the successes of Iowa’s nation-leading renewable fuels industry.”

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