Iowa produced record ethanol output in 2016

By Kevin Hardy, Des Moines Register Business Reporter

Iowa’s 43 ethanol plants produced a record 4.1 billion gallons of ethanol in 2016, according to a state trade group.

Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director

Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association credits increases in gasoline demand, E10 blending and ethanol export opportunities for the slight uptick in production over 2015’s 4 billion gallons.

“Setting another annual ethanol production record is a testament to the efficiency and hard work of Iowa’s ethanol plants,” Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said in a news release. “However, Iowa has the resources, both in corn and plant capabilities, to do much more.”

Shaw said Iowa can unlock a “wealth of untapped potential” by moving beyond E10 to higher blends at the pump like E15. He said the federal government should relax regulatory barriers to higher blends of ethanol that protect petroleum producers.

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