Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement Tuesday in response to passage of Governor Reynolds' E15 Access Standard legislation, House File 2128. The legislation will increase consumer access to higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.
"I applaud Governor Reynolds for her bold proposal and thank the Legislature for working with stakeholders to move this bill forward. The legislation will ensure Iowans have access to lower cost, cleaner burning fuels at the pump while also continuing to invest in our state's biofuel infrastructure," said Secretary Naig. "Renewable fuels provide an additional market for Iowa's farmers, bolster thousands of jobs in rural communities and are a significant contributor to domestic energy independence. At a time when Iowans are feeling a pinch at the pump, biofuels offer consumers more choice and a more affordable option; an all-around win for Iowa."
The Iowa renewable fuels industry accounts for more than $5 billion (roughly 3 percent) of Iowa's GDP, generating $2.5 billion of income for Iowa households and supporting almost 50,000 jobs throughout the state.
The Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Program (RFIP) has invested more than $50 million to help fuel marketers and retailers convert equipment to dispense and store renewable fuels.
Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson said, "Iowa Farm Bureau thanks Governor Reynolds for her leadership in shaping and advocating for the Iowa Biofuels Access Bill. We applaud the Iowa Legislature for listening to our members and working together toward a solution that benefits all Iowans. Our members have long advocated for this measure that works to increase consumer access to cleaner burning, environmentally friendly biofuels. As gas prices remain high, E15 offers a savings at the pump, and as a homegrown fuel, it supports 46,000 jobs in Iowa alone."
Categories: Iowa, Energy