The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association has announced that Iowa’s newest station offering E15 as a registered fuel is Popke’s Inc. in Rock Rapids. Popke’s joins Linn Coop Oil in Marion, Fredericksburg Coop in Fredericksburg, Kountry Korner in Baxter, and Fast Stop in Cresco to become the state’s fifth retailer offering E15 as a registered fuel.

“My business believes in supporting Iowa’s farmers and growing our local economy,” stated Popke’s, Inc. Owner Greg Popke. “American-made E15 is the next step in securing our independence from foreign oil. The citizens of Rock Rapids have been asking for E15 and are excited to have ready access to this cleaner, less-expensive fuel.”

“We hope more retailers will continue to incorporate E15 into their business models,” said IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton. “Offering E15 is a win-win as it provides economic value to both retailers and consumers.”

Popke’s, Inc. is located in Northwest Iowa at the corner of Highway 9 and Highway 75 in Rock Rapids. E15, a blend of gasoline and 15 percent ethanol, can be used by all 2001 and newer passenger vehicles and all flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).  Those vehicles account for 85 percent of fuel use in the United States.  In order to offer E15 to the non-FFVs, a retailer must register with the EPA.  IRFA works with retailers to ensure they comply with all federal and state E15 regulations.

Retailers interested in installing a blender pump to offer E15, E85, and other ethanol blends can apply for a grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture. The IRFA provides assistance in the application process. 

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production.  Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 3.7 billion gallons annually, with one wet mill and two cellulosic ethanol facilities currently under construction. In addition, Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 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.