FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Lucy Norton, Managing Director, 515-225-9242
Monte Shaw, Executive Director, 515-225-9242

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      Press Contact:  Monte Shaw
March 13, 2007                                                                                                             515-252-6249

2006 E85 Sales Up 295% Over 2005

E85 Sales Continue to Skyrocket in Iowa

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today announced that E85 sales in Iowa grew exponentially in 2006 according to the latest state figures.  According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, sales of E85 by Iowa retailers reached 470,964 gallons during the fourth quarter of 2006.  That was a 216% increase over the same time period in 2005.  Sales of E85 were up 295% to 1,975,359 gallons compared to 668,595 gallons for 2005.

              “The latest E85 sales figures leave no doubt that given the opportunity, Iowans want to use E85,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director.  “Iowans are purchasing more flexible fuel vehicles than ever.  We need to focus on providing them the E85 option at the pump.”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 26 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce over 1.7 billion gallons annually.  There are 21 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add 1.6 billion gallons of annual capacity. In addition, Iowa has 14 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 315 million gallons either in operation or under construction.  Many additional renewable fuels projects are under development.

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