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State Program Awards Record 68 Projects with Grants for Renewable Fuels Infrastructure

JOHNSTON, IOWA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today reported interest amongst Iowa retailers in offering renewable fuels is at an all-time high, following the recent Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board meeting which set records by awarding 68 projects with $3.2 million in state grants to upgrade infrastructure to offer higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.

“Thanks to sound, forward-thinking state policy, many Iowans will soon have greater access to cleaner-burning, homegrown fuels, like E15, E85 and biodiesel,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Managing Director Lucy Norton.  “The state’s biofuels infrastructure program has been very popular and wildly successful in expanding consumer access to higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel, as shown by the most recent round of grants.”

At its fiscal year 2016 third quarter meeting on March 10, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) awarded a record-setting 68 projects with a record-high $3,199,831 in funding to upgrade infrastructure to offer higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.  Program funding is set to expire at the end of the state’s fiscal year on June 30, 2016.

“With more interest in this program from Iowa retailers than ever before, it’s imperative that this program receive continued funding to capitalize on the momentum for expanding higher blend levels of renewable fuels and provide motorists with more lower-cost, locally-produced choices at the pump,” added Norton.

Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4 billion gallons annually, including nearly 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity.  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 website at: www.IowaRFA.org