Iowa ethanol producers topped last year’s record, producing 4.2 billion gallons in 2017.

“Iowa continues to lead the country and the world in ethanol production and efficiency,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Several plant expansions just finished or will finish during the 1st quarter of 2018, so production could jump again next year. That makes expanding export markets abroad and breaking down unnecessary barriers to E15 here at home top priorities.”

Iowa has 43 ethanol plants and 2017 saw several plant expansions, as well as increased demand for exports and more stations selling higher blends like E15.

Shaw says their top state policy priority for 2018 is securing funding for the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) to ensure more retailers have the equipment necessary to offer higher blends of ethanol now and in the future. On the federal level, they will be continuing to work toward getting the same regulatory treatment for E15 so it can be sold year round in all markets.