Since E15, a fuel blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, has been sold in Iowa, drivers have already successfully driven more than 125,000 thousand miles, or the equivalent of driving around the world five times. The first E15 station opened in Iowa about two months ago and E15 can be used in all vehicles 2001 or newer. …
Filmakers Capture ‘Fueling the Future’
The third annual “Fuel the Future” video contest, sponsored by Faegre Baker Daniels, for Iowa high school students has begun. This year, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is searching for the best student-produced “campaign-ad” video that educates Iowans on why they should choose E15 and or biodiesel at the pump. The top three video entries will win prices in …
Iowa RFA Asks Car Makers to Endorse E15
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is asking all auto makers to recommend the use of 15% ethanol blended fuel (E15) for use in new model vehicles. IRFA has sent letters to the heads of 12 auto manufacturers asking them to follow the trend set by Ford Motor Company and General Motors and endorse the use of E15 as approved …
Iowa Biodiesel Production Remains Strong
Biodiesel production in Iowa remained strong during the 3rd quarter according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). Figures released by the Iowa Department of Revenue show that 10 Iowa biodiesel plants claimed tax credits on more than 44.2 million gallons of biodiesel produced from July 2012 through September 2012. Several of the biodiesel plants have reached the tax credit …
Soy Energy in Mason City Suspends Operations
Soy Energy, a 30 million gallon per year biodiesel plant in Mason City, Iowa announced it will be temporarily suspending production and that some employees will be impacted. Iowa has 13 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 320 million gallons of biodiesel per year. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following comment: “First, our …
Governors Decline Iowa Hospitality
Despite planned trips to Iowa, Texas Governor Rick Perry and Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell declined invitations to visit an Iowa ethanol plant and cattle operation from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). Both governors were part of a group that filed for waivers of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) for 2012 and 2013. At this time, the Environmental Protection Agency …
IRFA Gets Words of Support From Romney
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) members grabbed the ear of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney for a moment Tuesday and got him to say “I do” – support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and ethanol, that is. After listening to Governor Romney speak at an Iowa farm, IRFA President Brad Albin with the Renewable Energy Group (REG) and past president …
IRFA Launches 2012 Election Campaign Webpage
With the presidential elections only a few weeks away, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has unveiled a new web page that highlights the stances of President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney regarding their positions on renewable fuels. As the campaign progresses, additional information will be added. “Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of both ethanol and biodiesel, …
Iowa Bioenergy Tour Huge Success
The 4th Annual Biofuels: Science and Sustainability Tour took place recently hosted by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The three-day tour brought several Washington, D.C. policymakers and regulators to Iowa for a inside and hands on look at the renewable fuels and agricultural industry in the state. Participants had the opportunity to talk with many renewable fuels experts, agriculture leaders …
Major Auto Companies Endorse E15
In response to strong sales of E15 in areas where the ethanol blend is offered, Ford Motor Company and General Motors (GM) announced their recommendations for use of E15 in their new vehicles. GM added the recommendation of E15 for its 2012 and newer vehicles, while Ford recommends E15 for its 2013 and newer vehicles. In response, Iowa Renewable Fuels …