FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 

Press Contact: Monte Shaw

October 2, 2012

515-252-6249

IRFA Thanks GM and Ford for Recommending the Use of E15

GM Added E15 Recommendation for 2012 and 2013 Vehicles

Ford Motor Company Recommends E15 for Use in all 2013 Vehicles

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today thanked General Motors and Ford Motor Company for recommending the use of E15 in their new vehicles. GM added the recommendation of E15 for its 2012 and newer vehicles, while Ford recommends E15 for its 2013 and newer vehicles.  As E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol, gains momentum in the marketplace, vehicle manufacturers are beginning to modify fuel recommendations.

              “The IRFA wants to extend our most sincere thank you to GM and Ford for recommending the use of E15 in new vehicles,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “I believe Iowa consumers will take notice of GM and Ford’s leadership.  This is an important step forward for E15.  Thirty years ago, auto recognition of E10 began much the same way.  First one company, then others followed.  First for new cars, then for the legacy fleet.  The pressure is now on other auto manufacturers to follow suit or explain why they offer substandard equipment.”

              GM and Ford’s announcement, first reported by OPIS, comes only months after this summer’s final approval of E15 for all 2001 and newer vehicles by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  After registering with the EPA, retailers may legally sell E15 – the most tested fuel in history – to all 2001 and newer vehicles, which consume more than 80 percent of the fuel sold in the U.S.  Last month, Linn Co-op Oil Company in Marion, Iowa became the first retailer in the state to offer E15 to 2001 and newer vehicles.  Several other Iowa retailers are in various stages of moving to offer E15.

       Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 13 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 320 million gallons annually.  In addition, Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.7 billion gallons annually and one new facility under construction.

       The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.

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For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org