The ethanol industry was thrilled with President Donald Trump’s visit to Iowa this week where he put agriculture and biofuels in the spotlight. “We’re here today to talk about how we’re going to empower America’s farmers and protect our nation’s proud farming legacy, and that includes ethanol, which I’ve done,” said Trump. The president met with industry leaders prior to …
Kwik Star Adds 17 E15 Locations in Iowa
Kwik Star has recently added E15 to 17 of its Iowa locations, bringing the total E15 fueling locations for the state now to 121. Kwik Trip – which operates in Iowa under the name “Kwik Star” – intends to add E15 to almost all of its 550 locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa over the next few years. “Kwik Trip …
Iowa Continues to Fund Blender Pump Program
The Iowa Legislature this week approved another year of funding for the state’s blender pump program, which is designed to assist fuel retailers in the conversion of their equipment to allow the expanded use of renewable fuels in Iowa. “The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) has played an imperative role in expanding consumer access to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends,” …
First Iowa Town to Get E10 is Latest to Have E15
Back in 1978, Clarence, Iowa was one of first towns to introduce a new fuel that contained 10 percent ethanol, now called E10. Nearly 40 years later, that same town is getting its first 15% ethanol pump at the Sundstop, which has become Iowa’s 102nd E15 site. The station also offers E85, E30, and biodiesel blends. “As a retailer in …
More Retail Stations Selling Higher #Ethanol Blends
Last week, Iowa celebrated the opening of the state’s 100th retail station selling 15 percent ethanol blended fuel. Crossroads Convenience Store in Spencer is one of six stations owned by Wessels Oil Company, which has been in business since 1938 and has been offering higher blends of biofuels at their stores since 2014. The Spencer store is the retailer’s first …
Iowa Tells Pruitt to Leave RFS Alone
With the Senate poised to confirm Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt to head the Environmental Protection Agency, Iowa has a message for him – Don’t Mess with the RFS. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and other state organizations urged Pruitt to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by rejecting a petition to change the program’s point of obligation, which …
Biofuels Continue to Power Iowa Economy
Record high production of ethanol and biodiesel in 2016 continued to power the rural Iowa economy engine despite another challenging year, according to the latest economic impact study commissioned by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). “The environment facing Iowa’s biodiesel industry was more favorable than that experienced by ethanol producers,” said study author John Urbanchuk, ABF Economics. “Both the …
Iowa RFA Presents High School Video Awards
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) presented this year’s winners of the “Fuel the Future” High School Video Contest at the annual summit this week. First place went to Jacob Roush and Dylan Smith of Waukee who received the $1,000 Grand Prize for their video “Choose Ethanol: Fuel the Future.” Amy Wieland and Tyler Groathouse of Waukee High School won …
Iowa Renewable Fuels “Unrelenting”
The 2017 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the industry this year. “The state of Iowa’s renewable fuels industry is uncertain but unrelenting,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “We are ready to expand and bring cheaper, cleaner, home-grown fuels to US and world consumers.” Concerning federal policy, Shaw foresees unrelenting progress …
Former Congressman to Talk Biodiesel at Iowa RFA Summit
Fresh off his annual appearance at the National Biodiesel Conference last week in San Diego, former U.S. Representative Kenny Hulshof will be heading to Altoona, Iowa next week to talk about “Biodiesel: America’s Advanced Biofuel” at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on January 31st. While biodiesel is the most readily available source of advanced biofuel, challenges remain. Hulshof will speak …