FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Monte Shaw, 515-252-6249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 28, 2007

Despite Relatively Few New E85 Pumps, 2nd Quarter E85 Sales Up 40% Over 2006

E85 Wholesale Costs Now Substantially Below Regular Unleaded

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today announced that E85 sales in Iowa continued remarkable growth in the second quarter of 2007.  According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, sales of E85 by Iowa retailers reached 800,491 gallons during the second quarter of 2007.  That was a 40 percent increase over the same time period in 2006.

“As ethanol prices moderated from temporary highs in 2006, consumers flocked to E85,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director.  “Since the 2nd quarter, ethanol prices have continued to go lower while gasoline prices have continued to increase on the wholesale market.  So we anticipate strong growth for the 3rd quarter as well.  The number one challenge right now is consumer access.  Hopefully these exciting numbers will convince more retailers that E85 is the right thing to do.”

Iowa currently has 68 E85 retail outlets.  A list of all the E85 stations can be found at:  www.iowarfa.org/ethanol_e85refueling.php.  Retailers interested in installing an E85 pump can receive a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development.  Information and a grant application may be found at:  www.iowalifechanging.com/business/renewablefuels.html.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 29 ethanol refineries with the capacity to produce nearly 2 billion gallons annually.  There are 18 ethanol refineries under construction or expansion that will add nearly 1.4 billion gallons of annual capacity.  In addition, Iowa has 13 biodiesel refineries with a combined annual capacity of nearly 260 million gallons in operation.  Three biodiesel refineries under construction will add 95 million gallons of capacity.  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.

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