FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 

Press Contact: Monte Shaw

June 20, 2012

515-252-6249

Iowa E85 Sales Rebound in First Quarter 

Ethanol Saves Iowans Over $200 Million Each Month in 2012

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) announced today that E85 sales in Iowa rebounded during the first quarter of 2012.  According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, sales of E85 by Iowa retailers reached 2,319,835 gallons during January through March, up from 1,940,119 gallons the previous three months.

“E85 and gasoline prices narrowed during the end of last year, driving E85 sales below 2 million gallons per quarter for the first time in over a year,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw.  “But with ethanol returning to its normal price advantage compared to gasoline, we saw E85 sales rebound to start off 2012.  E85 and all ethanol blends are consumers’ best friends in combating high summertime gasoline prices.”

According to a recent study by Iowa State University’s Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), gasoline pump prices would actually be $1.69 more per gallon across the Midwest if not for ethanol expanding supplies and reducing the need for expensive foreign oil.

              “Based on the ISU study, Iowans are saving well over $200 million each month thanks to ethanol,” added Shaw.  “That’s $200 million not flowing out of Iowa.  Those $200 million stay in Iowa and are spent on other goods and services, resulting in a huge boost to the Iowa economy.”

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

Iowa currently has 167 retail outlets offering E85.  A list of all the E85 stations can be found at:  www.IowaRFA.org/ethanol_e85refueling.php

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.

###

For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: 

www.IowaRFA.org