The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has announced that E85 sales in Iowa remained strong during the third quarter of 2008 despite rapidly falling gasoline prices. According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, sales of E85 by Iowa retailers reached 2,208,837 gallons during July, August, and September of 2008 – more than double the 1,270,587 gallons sold during the same period in 2007.

“Despite a narrower gap between E85 and regular gasoline prices at the end of last year, E85 sales remained strong,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “I talked with several retailers that had seen some customers switch from E85 to E10, but they stated that many preferred the home-grown, renewable fuel. E85 is a premier product that many consumers seek out because of their concerns over energy security and global climate change. As gasoline prices head back toward $2 a gallon, E85 remains a great choice for consumers – not just for energy security and the environment, but for the pocketbook as well.”

Iowa currently has 116 public and private E85 outlets. A list of all the E85 stations can be found at www.e85refueling.com. Retailers interested in installing an E85 pump can apply for a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Information and a grant application may be found at: www.iowalifechanging.com/business/renewablefuels.html.