Iowa E85 sales accelerating, exceeding 2007 totals

October 6, 2008

BY Ryan C. Christiansen

Web exclusive posted Oct. 17, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. CST

So far this year, there have been 20 new E85 retail fueling stations in the Iowa, which has helped push sales of E85 in the state during the first half of 2008 to exceed total sales for all of 2007, according to a statement by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

More than 3.5 million gallons of E85 were sold by retailers in Iowa during the first half of 2008, compared to 3.4 million gallons in all of 2007, according to the Iowa Department of Revenue. The rate of E85 sales in the state is accelerating, with 2.2 million gallons sold during the second quarter of 2008 compared to 1.3 million gallons sold during the first quarter. Less than 2 million gallons were sold in the state during all of 2006.

In a state with 34 ethanol refineries with a combined production capacity of more than 2.7 billion gallons per year, Iowa currently has 96 retailers selling E85 and is on track to have more than 100 retailers selling the blend by the end of this year, according to Monte Shaw, executive director for the IRFA. The Iowa Department of Economic Development can provide grants of up to $180,000 for retailers to help cover the cost of installing, replacing, or converting fuel equipment to sell E85.

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