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JOHNSTON, IOWA - The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today applauded Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for his commitment to expand Iowa motorists' access to low-cost, clean-burning renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. Gov. Branstad's "Fueling Our Future" program, administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), today recognized two retailers for their innovative plans to increase accessibility to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends.

"I've long been an advocate for increasing consumer access to locally-produced, environmentally-friendly renewable fuels," stated Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. "The two retailers receiving funding as part of the 'Fueling Our Future' program will provide Iowans with additional access to higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel, supporting Iowa products and jobs, while also improving air quality."

"We commend Gov. Branstad for his unwavering support in making Iowa a model state for fuel choice and consumer access to clean-burning renewable fuels," stated IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton. "With the help of Gov. Branstad, IDALS, and the Iowa DOT, Iowa is raising the bar to show the nation that higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel are the preferred fuels."

"Based on the consumer response to higher levels of renewable fuels at our Creston location, Farmers Cooperative wants to add more blender pumps where they are needed," stated Farmers Cooperative Creston Location Manager Darin Schlapia. "Mount Ayr is the hub of Ringgold County and we want to capture that customer base by offering more American-made fuel options. We're pooling the Coop members' resources to drive profitability and offer more competitively priced fueling options not otherwise available."

"At Oak Street Station, we have a passion for renewable fuels and want to help grow the industry," stated Oak Street Station Accountant Lisa VanRegenmorter. "Putting in blender pumps and biodiesel will continue our support for biofuels, provide fuel choices for our customers, and supply customer data to support the state's Fueling the Future initiative."

Gov. Branstad, IDALS, and the Iowa DOT held a press conference today announcing two retailers selected to receive $125,000 each in funding to expand Iowa motorists' access to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends. For video of the press conference, please click here.

Grant recipient Farmers Cooperative plans to build a new fueling location at its Country Store in the Southern Iowa town of Mount Ayr. The station will offer E10, E15 to 2001 and newer vehicles, E30, E50, and E85 as well as B5, B10 and B20.

Oak Street Station received a grant for its new fueling site set to be built in the Northwest Iowa town of Inwood. The station will offer E10, E15, E30, and E85, as well as B5 year-round and B99.9 during the summer months for independent jobbers and special use customers such as tractor pullers.

The purpose of the "Fueling Our Future" program is to gain better consumer information regarding fueling preferences, expand the use and availability of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel, and provide a pathway to reduce particulate matter in Iowa.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 3.8 billion gallons annually, with three cellulosic ethanol facilities currently under construction. In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce nearly 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.