The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) recently announced that, according to the Department of Revenue, E85 sales already have exceeded all of 2007 sales. Retailers reached 3,519,575 gallons during the first six months of 2008 – surpassing total 2007 sales of 3,420,557 gallons.

“As gas prices continued to rise in 2008, a growing number of consumers relied on E85 for a cheaper, cleaner fuel alternative,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director. “Retailers are responding with 20 new E85 stations so far this year. We’re on track to have over 100 E85 retailers by the end of the year.”

The rate of E85 sales in Iowa is increasing as well. Second quarter’s 2,217,095 gallons were nearly double first quarter’s 1,302,480 gallons of E85 sales.

As of January 2008, there were nearly 80,400 flexible fuel vehicles registered in Iowa. Currently, there are 102 E85 fueling stations in the state.