Iowa funds 24 biofuel projects, investing $1.12M to expand E15 and biodiesel access, aiding affordability, compliance, and rural economy.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has announced the approval of 24 new applications under the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP), aimed at enhancing biofuel availability across the state. These projects, supported by over $1.12 million in state cost-share grants, are designed to expand access to homegrown renewable fuels such as biodiesel and E15 (Unleaded 88), benefiting both drivers and local communities. The grants were approved during the RFIP Board’s quarterly meeting held on July 17 and will support installations in 17 counties across Iowa, totaling $1,124,750.86 in funding.
The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program continues to play a vital role in making cleaner-burning, more affordable fuel options available at local fuel stations. Secretary Naig emphasized that these investments not only help Iowans save money at the pump, but also strengthen Iowa's rural economy, support local farmers, and promote energy independence. “Biofuels like E15 and biodiesel give consumers more choices and strengthen the backbone of our agricultural economy,” said Naig. “As the nation’s top producer of both ethanol and biodiesel, Iowa is in a prime position to utilize more of the renewable fuel we produce locally. These grants move us closer to a more affordable, sustainable energy future.”
A key goal of the program is also to help more Iowa fuel retailers comply with the E15 Access Standard. This state-level policy, the first of its kind in the U.S., mandates that most fuel stations in Iowa must begin offering E15 fuel by January 1, 2026. Enacted into law in 2022 by Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Legislature, the standard aims to increase statewide availability of lower-emission fuel blends. For stations requiring financial support to meet this regulatory requirement, the RFIP offers cost-share grants to assist with infrastructure upgrades.
The RFIP has been in operation since 2006, and its cumulative impact has been significant. To date, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has allocated over $63 million in state funding to support renewable fuel infrastructure projects. This public investment has been complemented by more than $270 million in private matching funds from Iowa-based convenience stores and fuel providers. The continued availability of cost-share grants means that more stations can apply to upgrade their equipment, install new tanks and pumps, or convert existing infrastructure to accommodate higher ethanol blends and biodiesel.
With the latest round of approvals, Iowa reaffirms its leadership in renewable energy adoption while providing economic and environmental benefits to residents across the state.
