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Monte, 515-252-6249

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2009

IRFA Endorses Official Waiver Request for E15

Iowa Well Positioned to be Leader in Higher Blends

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today endorsed the national call for the EPA to approve ethanol blends up to E15 for use with all vehicles.  A coalition led by Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association, American Coalition for Ethanol and the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition submitted an official waiver request to the EPA.  The EPA must respond within 270 days.

              “America needs higher ethanol blends today and Iowa is ready to lead the way,” said Monte Shaw, IRFA Executive Director.  “No state has done more work to prepare rules and regulations and to provide retailer incentives to install blender pumps capable of dispensing all levels of ethanol blends.  Today’s action is a wake-up call that higher ethanol blends are coming.  Putting in a blender pump means you can serve all of your customers’ needs.”

              Retailers interested in installing a blender pump can apply for a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development that will cover up to 50% of the installation and equipment costs.  Information and a grant application may be found at:  www.iowalifechanging.com/business/renewablefuels.html.

              “The national groups are to be applauded for the amount of rock-solid science they have developed to support the higher blend request,” added Shaw.  “At the same time, on the state level we can prepare the way by ensuring a rapid deployment of blender pumps.  A blender pump let’s you serve the flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) driver who fuels with E85, the regular vehicle owner that wants E15, the small or off-road engine operator that wants E10, or the odd customer that still wants E0.  But no Iowa retailer will be left behind as virtually all of the fuel storage and dispensing equipment is compatible with E15.”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 38 operational ethanol refineries with a combined annual capacity of over 3 billion gallons.  There are 5 ethanol refineries under construction that will add nearly 700 million gallons of capacity.  In addition, Iowa has 14 biodiesel refineries with the capacity to produce over 317 million gallons annually.  Two biodiesel refineries under construction or expansion will add 35 million gallons of annual capacity.  Additional renewable fuels projects are under development.

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.