Grainnet

Des Moines, IA -- The recent release of the United Nations’ report on global climate change underscores the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that most scientists now believe are directly linked to global warming.

While the report grimly notes the increased likelihood of crop-withering droughts, severe hurricanes and devastating floods, it can also shine a spotlight on Iowa-made biofuels as one possible answer to the threat of global warming.

Some Iowans have already gotten the message on alternative fuels like E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline sold at approximately 60 stations statewide.

“We estimate a little more than two million gallons of E85 were sold in Iowa last year,” said Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

“That represents a three-fold increase over 2005 E85 sales, a remarkable jump in just one year."

The increased use of E85 in Iowa impressed Tim Gerlach, a vice president for the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest.

“Because more Iowa drivers are choosing E85 instead of gasoline, a considerable amount of carbon dioxide - a primary greenhouse gas - is already being prevented from entering earth’s atmosphere."

"We conservatively estimate that Iowa’s E85 users eliminated 17,000,000 pounds - that’s 8,500 tons of carbon dioxide in a single year.”

A complete list of all vehicles that can use E85, and a list of Iowa stations that sell E85 or biodiesel can be found online at www.CleanAirChoice.org.

According to Jessica Zopf, environmental health coordinator for the American Lung Association of Iowa, biodiesel is another clean air choice for Iowa and the globe.

“Projections call for our state to have 15 biodiesel plants operating within two years,” she said.

“Using biodiesel can reduce overall smog and ozone forming potential by as much as 50 percent, and it cuts diesel fuel’s most serious and immediate health risk, particulate pollution, by as much as 30 percent."

"Grant Kimberley", director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association, noted that biodiesel is already well established in the Hawkeye state.

“More than 55 percent of Iowa farmers currently use a biodiesel blend in their operations,” Kimberley said.

“Petroleum retailers are making it easier to purchase biodiesel by making it more available at the pump, and every day Iowa trucking firms are using more biodiesel."

For more information, call Jessica Zopf at 515-664-7341.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest

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