Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds made corn growers and ethanol producers in her state happy today with her veto of a bill passed by the state legislature that would have limited the future for carbon sequestration pipelines. In her explanation for vetoing the bill, Gov. Reynolds said the bill would set a troubling precedent. “For example, the bill would block a …
Iowa Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Grants Hit Record
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) last week awarded $1 million in cost-share grants to support the installation of E15 at 91 additional retail fuel sites across Iowa. This milestone brings the total number of E15 projects awarded this fiscal year to a record 388, by far the most grants in a year since RFIP’s inception. RFIP has awarded …
Iowa Awaits Governor Decision on Carbon Pipeline Bill
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds may hold the fate of the state’s ethanol industry in her hands as ethanol advocates and farmers are urging her to veto a bill restricting carbon sequestration pipelines. “It’s happening. Nebraska is doing it. North Dakota is doing it. Indiana is doing it. Illinois projects are moving forward. Brazil is doing it big time. It’s happening,” …
Iowa RFA Releases New Economic Impact Report
A new economic contribution study shows Iowa biofuels production has begun to reflect stagnant corn demand throughout the agriculture economy as the multiplying effects of corn and soybean purchases have been reduced due to lower commodity prices. Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS) conducted the study, commissioned by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The study found: “Even though a variety of …
Iowa E15 Momentum Continues
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) awarded almost $1 million in grants this week to add E15 to 94 Iowa retail fuel sites throughout the state. Momentum toward compliance with Iowa’s E15 Access Standard continues to build as these 94 grant follow the record 111 grants awarded just last month. To date, there have been a total of 297 …
Iowa’s Elite Octane Celebrates Billion Gallon Milestone
On Friday, Atlantic, Iowa-based Elite Octane celebrated reaching the milestone of producing its billionth gallon of ethanol. With its 53 employees, Elite Octane has paid more than $1.6 billion to local corn farmers since commencing operations in 2018, nearly all funds received within 60 miles of Atlantic, Iowa. The over 300 million bushels of corn were processed into more than …
Iowa Ethanol Production Holds Steady in 2024
According to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol production in the state held steady last year at 4.6 billion gallons. IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw says stagnant U.S. ethanol demand combined with increasing corn yields have resulted in lower farm income, but he believes new ethanol markets are within reach that can restore balance to the corn market. “We need …
Summit Carbon Has a Good Month
Summit Carbon Solutions has continued to move forward with its CO2 pipeline project this month, racking up a few wins after the South Dakota referendum loss on election day. First, the North Dakota Public Service Commission granted the project a Route Permit, which was secured after the company implemented changes to the proposed pipeline route incorporating feedback from local landowners …
Iowa Awards $4 Million in E15 Grants
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) last week awarded over $4 million in grants to add E15 (15% ethanol fuel) to 86 retail sites throughout the state. Under Iowa’s E15 Access Standard adopted in 2022, retailers have until January 1, 2026 to offer E15 for sale to Iowa motorists. Earlier this year, the Iowa Legislature streamlined E15 requirements and …
Iowa Biodiesel Producers Seek 45Z Safe Harbor Guidance
Iowa biodiesel producers are urging the U.S. Department of Treasury to act immediately in issuing safe harbor guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. “Simply put, without immediate safe harbor guidance, the entire biodiesel supply chain could grind to a halt, resulting in lost farm income, laid off workers, unrealized carbon reductions, higher prices for consumers, and greater energy …