Renewable fuels projects will expand access to E15

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced recently that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program Board approved 108 projects to support new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects across the state.

Grieder Oil, Inc. in Belle Plaine will receive $32,181 and Gills Property Inc in Williamsburg $75,000 for E15 projects.

The approved projects in 46 Iowa counties represent nearly $4.59 million in total requests, including $3,987,039.12 for 93 ethanol-related projects and $600,142.66 for 15 biodiesel-related projects, said Naig’s office in a press release.

These cost-share investments help drivers save money by expanding access to lower-cost, cleaner-burning homegrown biofuels like E15 (Unleaded 88) and biodiesel.

Since the cost-share grant program began in 2006, the Department has invested nearly $70 million toward expanding renewable fuels infrastructure in Iowa, according to the press release. This investment has been matched by approximately $280 million from Iowa convenience stores and fuel retailers.

These ethanol investments are also helping more Iowa fuel stations come into compliance with the E15 Access Standard, Naig’s office said. Iowa is the first state in the nation to enact an E15 Access Standard, which requires most fuel retailers to offer E15 by Jan. 1, 2026. The law was passed by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Gov. Reynolds in 2022.

With additional cost-share funding available, the Department continues to welcome grant applications to assist more fuel stations with infrastructure improvements and upgrades. Applications are available at iowaagriculture.gov/IRFIP.