MEDIA CONTACT

Monte Shaw 515-252-6249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                               

March 4, 2011                                                                                                                   

Up 43%, E85 Sales Set New Iowa Record in 2010

E85 Now the Most Cost Effective Choice for Iowa Consumers

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today announced that E85 sales in Iowa reached an all-time high in 2010.  According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, sales of E85 by Iowa retailers reached 9,311,908 gallons last year representing a 43% increase over 2009 sales.

“E85 has been a great success for Iowa consumers and retailers alike,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw.  “With gasoline prices shooting skyward, E85 is the most cost-effective fuel choice for consumers today.  And many E85 retailers have noted that E85 accounts for almost 10 percent or more of their total fuel sales.  With more and more flexible fuel vehicles rolling off assembly lines, the only thing holding E85 back is the lack of E85 pumps.

Iowa currently has 138 retail outlets offering E85.  A list of all the E85 stations can be found at:  www.iowarfa.org/ethanol_e85refueling.php.

IRFA predicts that it is likely to see more ethanol blended fuel sales because Iowans are looking for ways to fight back against high gas prices.  “Unrest in the Middle East coupled with the desire to promote Iowa jobs is leading more Iowans than ever to choose the E85 dispenser.  We are excited that several additional retailers are planning to add E85 and other mid-level ethanol blends to their stations this year.”

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 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 315 million gallons annually.

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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