Iowa Provides Blueprint for E15 With New Legislation

The president of Iowa Farm Bureau believes his state has laid the blueprint for an E15 standard. Brent Johnson stated, “There’s no doubt other states will be looking at the Biofuels Access Bill recently signed into law and want to emulate what Iowa has done. This is the first time that we’ve got an E15 standard, and with the challenges of higher fuel prices and some of the regulatory challenges, I think it’s important that other states look at solutions that they can take upon themselves.”

The new law will require most Iowa gas stations with storage tanks and pumping systems that can handle higher blends of ethanol to offer E15 from at least one pump by 2026, and new gas stations will have to sell E15 from at least half of their dispensers.

“And I’m really proud of the state of Iowa for being proactive in that conversation and finding a solution for our consumers,” said Johnson. “The E15 standard also helps lay a foundation for Iowa farmers as they face market instability and uncertainty.”

Editor’s Take:

State governments often take the initiative to implement policies that the federal government simply cannot do or refuses to do – in this case it is the latter. High praise for Iowa taking the proverbial “bull by the horns” and setting an example for others to follow. There is little doubt that other states, especially corn producing states, will follow suit. This will serve agriculture well and put more money in the pockets of farmers/ranchers over the long haul. More money also equals more potential truck sales.